ACTIVITIES

As Turkey Promotion Research Democracy and Secular Formation Foundation (TÜLOV), we are in the fields on May 1st with the voice of labor, freedom and secularism! We are together with the power of labor and democracy in Bodrum for secularism, for democracy, for the Republic, for our youth, and to increase solidarity!

The Village Institutes, which took their place among the national educational institutions in the 20th year of our Republic and could only provide education for a short period of time due to the political turmoil of the period, still remain relevant despite all the years that have passed.

These days, schools in Europe are adopting curricula reminiscent of the Village Institutes. Exactly 85 years after their foundation, we at TÜLOV Bodrum took a closer look at these “Torches of Education” that UNESCO recommended as a model for developing countries at the time.

Our panel titled “Secular State, Free Society” was organized jointly by TÜLOV Bodrum Branch and Anatolian Women's Movement Association.

The panel started with the opening speech of Mustafa Duru, President of TÜLOV Bodrum Branch; former State Minister Önay Alpago, Journalist-Writer Necdet Saraç and Journalist-Writer Miyase İlknur will participate. Participants discussed “The importance of secularism for freedom in different areas of life” under the moderation of Historian-Activist Birsen Temir Saraç.

As TÜLOV, we bring you a success story dedicated to the Republic!

KAMER GENÇ: VEKIN VEKÇ: PEOPLE'S VEKİLİ documentary screening, we witnessed an unforgettable struggle.

We would like to thank everyone who has been with us, supported us and protected this historical heritage during the signature campaign in different regions, the photo exhibition and documentary film screening at the Herodotus Cultural Center, which we started for the return of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus to the land where it belongs. The event emphasized the importance of protecting the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and returning it to the land where it belongs by taking it from the British Museum.

Participants came together in an atmosphere reflecting the spirit of antiquity to support this historic call. This signature campaign initiated by the Bodrum Representative Office of the TÜLOV Foundation will continue throughout the country and will grow with the support of large masses. At the same time, Bodrum has launched an international project through the TÜLOV Foundation, making a global call for the return of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus to the land where it belongs.

We would like to thank all the participants who have contributed and supported this process, all those who have contributed and the valuable members of the press who have contributed to the correct information of the public.

Secularism, which is the most fundamental principle of Atatürk's revolutions, is not only the separation of religion and state affairs; it is an important step taken to reach the level of modern civilization. Secularism requires respect for all kinds of beliefs. Freedom of religion, conscience and belief of all citizens is guaranteed by the Constitution. The state shall be impartial and at an equal distance to all beliefs, and everyone shall be equal before the law, regardless of their beliefs and opinions. 

On November 10, 2021, Deniz Kazmaz, youth representative, gave a speech at the Commemoration, Understanding and Keeping Atatürk Alive Event organized by TÜLOV in Bodrum. 

TÜLOV Bodrum Branch's movie days have started. The story of “Citizen Mustafa”, who made an impact all over the country with his environmental and legal struggle against the Hydroelectric Power Plants (HEPP) to be built on the Fırtına Valley in Rize, was screened at the open air cinema in Oasis Square. There was an intense interest in the screening of this award-winning documentary film written and directed by TÜLOV Bodrum President Av. Remzi Kazmaz. Before the screening, horon was played accompanied by bagpipes.

Stating that the aim of TÜLOV is to ensure that the issue of secularism is handled well, that the issue of democracy is operationalized and that Turkey is promoted both nationally and internationally, Av. Remzi Kazmaz said the following in his statement to Kent Haber: "In this respect, we organize movie days here. We thank Oasis for opening this place and Cinemarine Cinemas for supporting our event.

TÜLOV events will continue here for a week. We will continue to appear in front of the people of Bodrum with many works and movies that explain the sensitivity to the environment and the value of Bodrum." Stating that TÜLOV will also provide scholarships for students with financial difficulties, Kazmaz said, "Giving scholarships to students who cannot study and bringing them into society is a very important event for institutions and valuable business people. If there are families who cannot afford to educate their children, they can apply to the TÜLOV branch in Bodrum. We will take care of them in every matter."

TÜLOV and Republican People's Houses came together for “Another Atatürk” The “Ümmid-i Aşkım Hikâyesiyle-Bir Başka Atatürk” meeting, which focused on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's inner world and his passion for music and art, was held in Bodrum. In the event organized by the Bodrum Representative Office of the Turkish Promotion Research, Democracy and Secular Formation Foundation and the Bodrum Branch of the Republican People's Houses, Former Minister of State-Academician Önay Alpago shared anecdotes about the unknowns of Mustafa Kemal and explained the miracle of the War of Independence, which was crowned with the “Republic”, which Atatürk realized in a country known for its poverty by only “Hope” and instilling that hope in a nation.

At the event held at the Nurol Cultural Center, Alpago also read the poem “Kocatepe”, which he wrote inspired by Mustafa Kemal's photograph taken at Kocatepe. Musicologist-composer Serap Yenici, on the other hand, sang the composition she wrote for Alpago's poem and Atatürk's favorite songs in the program where she talked about Atatürk's inner world. During the concert, songs such as Thessaloniki Song (A storm took us by the hand) and Fikrimin İnce Gülü were sung in unison.

In his speech, Mazhar Karakaya, President of Republican People's Houses Bodrum, stated that TÜLOV Bodrum has made 40 years of progress in Bodrum in 4 years and expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation for the event and said, “When it comes to education, I am everywhere.” Remzi Kazmaz, TÜLOV Muğla Representative, Mustafa Duru, TÜLOV Bodrum Representative, and Dr. Bülent Mermer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TÜLOV Bodrum, also touched upon the work of TÜLOV and thanked the participants in their speeches at the event, which was presented by Pınar Süle.

Turkey Promotion Research Democracy and Secular Formation Foundation (TÜLOV), together with earthquake victims from Malatya, paid a thank you visit to Bodrum Mayor Ahmet Aras. TÜLOV Bodrum Branch President Av. Remzi Kazmaz and Bodrum Branch members attended the visit, which also included 6 earthquake victims whose houses in Yeşilyurt, Malatya were destroyed in the earthquake on February 6 and who stayed in the houses of TÜLOV volunteers in Bodrum.

Remzi Kazmaz, who presented a plaque of appreciation to Mayor Ahmet Aras at the meeting, stated that they appreciated the work of Aras and Bodrum Municipality in the earthquake region and said; Bodrum Mayor Ahmet Aras, who explained the work they did in the earthquake region, said the following; The earthquake victims from Malatya, including 2 university students, told Mayor Aras about the problems they experienced.

In addition, TÜLOV members informed Aras about the work of the commissions they established.

A solidarity breakfast was organized in Bodrum by the Bodrum Representative Office of the Turkish Promotion Foundation (TÜLOV). At the event, donations were collected to give scholarships to students. Bodrum District Governor Mustafa Çit and his wife Yasemin Çit, CHP High Disciplinary Board Member Lawyer Remzi Kazmaz, Bodrum Municipality Coordinator Council Member Emel Çakaloğlu, political party representatives, TÜLOV executives and members attended the event held at Manuela Hotel in Bitez Neighborhood. It was reported that scholarships will be given to students in need from the donations collected at the breakfast, where the Havana Latin Band presented a live music performance.

Speaking at the event, Bodrum District Governor Mustafa Çit drew attention to the importance of scholarship aid to students and said the following; Prof. Dr. Nurettin Demir, President of TÜLOV, said, "We are a 23-year-old public foundation. We are trying to support the children of the republic left to us by Atatürk." Speaking at the event, CHP High Disciplinary Board Member Lawyer Remzi Kazmaz stated that they are making efforts to raise young people in a secular and democratic society.

Kazmaz explained their efforts to establish Republican girls' dormitories and said, “Our aim is to raise young people who are Kemalist, Republican, love democracy and are conscious about secularism.” At the ceremony held after the breakfast, donors were presented with certificates of appreciation.