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Alumni Gathering
Re-Start 2021: Post-Covid Alumni Gathering

Alumni Gathering FNF Turkey 5
© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

We missed each other a lot! This was the feeling everyone shared on this special evening in the garden of a downtown hotel in Istanbul. Greeting the guests, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the Head at FNF Turkey, even spoke of a “historic event”, highlighting the extraordinary character of our first face-to-face activity after more than a year.

In attendance at the gathering entitled “Re-Start 2021: Post-Covid Alumni Gathering” were friends and participants of educative activities who all have one thing in common: they belong to the growing network of our alumni.

Alumni Gatherin FNF Turkey 1
© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

These individuals are an important target group; keeping the connection alive is an important objective: “We believe in the importance of network and its empowerment” says Elif Güney Menders, Project Coordinator and in charge of the networking at the FNF Office in Istanbul, who chose a venue that provided ample space for physical distancing and tons of fresh air on a beautiful summer evening.

Alumni Gathering FNF Turkey 6
© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Apart from the opportunity to socialize among friends and partners, the event featured prominent journalist Burcu Karakaş who introduced her new book, “Biz Her Şeyiz”. After listening to what the author had to say about her work, participants were gifted a free copy with a personal signature of the author.

Alumni Gathering FNF Turkey 2
© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

“Restart21” is the title of a campaign of the Foundation as we discuss what lies ahead after, hopefully, the worst lies behind us.  As we look ahead at the Turkey Office, we are considering to carefully return to educative events with physical attendance – step-by-step and in consideration of all the mandated precautions. This was a good beginning and duly celebrated as such by all those in attendance. 

Get a glimpse of our first face-to-face event in 2021!

© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom