Istanbul
FNF has been actively working in Türkiye with partners from civil society, academia, economy and politics since 1991, when we opened our office in Ankara. In 2002, we moved to Istanbul. Türkiye is of crucial importance for Germany, Europe and the transatlantic cooperation due to its history, culture, economy, and geographical location. Therefore, FNF offers support to liberal-minded citizens and organizations in Türkiye to promote liberal values in the society. This way, we strive to contribute to a liberal, democratic and prospering Türkiye for all citizens.
News
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65 Years of Shared History: Remembering Migration, Rethinking Belonging
The 65th anniversary of the Türkiye-Germany Labour Recruitment Agreement was marked in Berlin with a cartoon exhibition, documentary and panel. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom event revisited the history of migration through social perceptions, generational experience, belonging and equal opportunity for people of Türkiye origin in Germany.
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Our Visit to Lampedusa: From Migration Figures to Seeing People
First reception at Europe’s borders reveals the practical challenges of implementing EU migration policies while ensuring dignity, fairness and individual rights. Effective reception requires adequate resources, clear procedures and shared European responsibility, alongside legal pathways and opportunities for long-term inclusion. Lessons from Lampedusa will inform discussions in Gaziantep and help shape a liberal migration agenda ahead of the 2027 Stop Tragedies, Attract Skills Summit.
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Building Bridges Between the Next Generation of Turkish and German Leaders
The Turkish-German Young Leaders Conference, organized by Global Bridges and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Türkiye, brought together 40 participants in Istanbul from 5 to 9 October 2026 to strengthen bilateral dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and develop the next generation of leaders.
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Youth and Local Governors Met at the "Let's Talk: Towards COP31" Event
Young people and local government representatives met at "Let's Talk Together: Towards COP31", organised by the Marmara Municipalities Union (MBB), FNF Türkiye and the Human Rights Academy. The open-mic session addressed the climate crisis, waste management, transport, green spaces and youth participation in local climate policy decision-making.
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6th International Summer School on Security and/or Human Rights in Mardin
The 6th International Summer School on Security and/or Human Rights, "Navigating Freedom in a World of Polycrisis," took place in Mardin, Türkiye (8–12 June 2026). Organized by the Human Rights Academy and FNF Türkiye, it brought together 22 young participants from Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus for workshops, lectures, and cultural exchange.
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Saxony-Anhalt Election
A turning point for Germany? In this piece written by Vanessa Steinmetz, we look at the AfD's historic 43.8% result in Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU's worst performance in 24 years in power, and the FDP's loss of representation in parliament. So what happens now?
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Berlin Talks: Migration as an Engine for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Experts discussed how migration, entrepreneurial spirit, and better framework conditions can strengthen Berlin as a business location at the event 'Berlin Talks.'
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More Than a Vote: Türkiye-Origin New Europeans in Germany
Why are Türkiye-origin citizens still under-represented in German politics? This FNF Türkiye policy paper by Başak Yavçan, Zeynep Yanaşmayan and Süleyman Furkan Çobankara draws on twelve interviews to show how party sponsorship, networks and consultative bodies shape access to candidacy, and what Germany can learn from Ireland, Sweden and Luxembourg.
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Ankara Summit: A Test for NATO and for Europe’s Security Architecture
On the eve of the NATO Ankara Summit, FNF Türkiye co-hosted "Mind the Gap: Can Europe Build a More European NATO?" with EDAM, HCSS and Tagesspiegel, launching a policy paper on strengthening NATO's European pillar and Türkiye's growing role in European security and defence cooperation.
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Women from Different Political Parties Across Türkiye Come Together in the “İlmek İlmek” Program, Powered by Alliance of Her
The İlmek İlmek Program is a leadership and solidarity program that brings together women from different cities and political parties across Türkiye. Conducted under the umbrella of Alliance of Her Türkiye, the program aims to support women in becoming more visible, effective, and influential in politics. Participants receive training in areas such as political communication, campaign management, leadership, and strategic thinking, while also engaging in a shared dialogue space with women from diverse political perspectives.
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MIPEX 2025 Results for Türkiye Discussed in Istanbul
The MIPEX 2025 results for Türkiye were presented to the public at a launch event held at Istanbul Modern. With nearly 100 participants in attendance, the event featured two panel discussions on integration policies, migration governance, and policy recommendations.
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Finance and Administrative Assistant, Istanbul, Türkiye
Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Türkiye Office is seeking a Finance and Administrative Assistant to strengthen its Finance and Administration Unit in Istanbul. We are a small and dynamic team working at the intersection of liberal politics, civil society, and international dialogue. To further strengthen our financial and administrative backbone, we are looking for a reliable, structured, and detail-oriented colleague. This is a full-time position with an initial three-month probation period and the possibility of extension.
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Türkiye at the Crossroads Amid Geopolitical Shifts — Events in Brussels and Berlin
FNF Türkiye and the Global Security Hub present a report by Prof. Mustafa Aydın on Türkiye’s geopolitical role, EU relations, and European security. Events in Brussels and Berlin explored cooperation, strategic autonomy, and future partnerships.
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Back From Mardin to Geneva: Winners of the Security and Human Rights Essay Competition Announced
Explore the winning essays of the 5th International Summer School by FNF Türkiye and the Human Rights Academy. Nangoh Maseke Huffnagel and Rafael Mendonça examine migration, organized crime, security, and human rights, presenting fresh insights at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.
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5th International Summer School on Security and/or Human Rights
International Summer School on Security and Human Rights from Human Rights Academy in Mardin 2025 gathered young leaders from 16 countries to explore migration, climate security, humanitarian law and democratic resilience through expert lectures, interactive workshops and global networking opportunities.
Social Media
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Interested? DM us for more info and the application link! 🙈 Deadline: 13.01.2025 ❗️
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FNF Türkiye ekibi adına yılın ilk gününden Özgür tüm takipçilerimize mutlu -ve bol mamalı!- bir 2025 diliyor! 😻
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FNF Türkiye (Atanmış) Daimi Temsilcimiz Aret Demirci’den size bir yeni bildirim! 💌
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