06.08.2026 13:50
TÜGVA brings together hundreds of thousands of children and young people with sports, education, games, and social activities through its Summer School, Square Festivals, and Seyyah Summer School programs carried out simultaneously in 39 districts in Istanbul throughout the summer. While approximately 200,000 students enrolled in the Summer School programs held at schools, more than 500,000 children were reached within the scope of the Square Festivals.
Summer vacation in Istanbul this year was not just a period of rest for children. The Summer School, Square Festivals, and Seyyah Summer School programs carried out by the Turkey Youth Foundation across Istanbul turned into a comprehensive summer movement where children across the city learned while having fun, played sports, and socialized. Three separate programs run simultaneously by TÜGVA in 39 districts reached children and young people of different age groups, standing out as one of Istanbul's most widely attended summer period organizations.
APPROXIMATELY 200 THOUSAND REGISTERED STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS
TÜGVA's Summer School programs held in schools across Istanbul continue with the participation of approximately 200 thousand registered students. Within the scope of the programs, students engage in sports activities, cultural events, educational studies, workshops, and team games. The activities, aimed at helping children spend their summer vacation productively, also contribute to the development of a culture of friendship, solidarity, and teamwork.
OVER 500 THOUSAND CHILDREN REACHED WITH SQUARE FESTIVALS
The Square Festivals held in many parts of Istanbul were met with great interest by children and families. The day-long events included traditional sports, inflatable playgrounds, stage shows, competitions, science and art workshops, team games, and various treats. Through the events, which children participating in the squares attended for free, more than 500 thousand children were reached in a short time. Thus, TÜGVA's Square Festivals became one of Istanbul's most widely attended open-air children's events.
SEYYAH SUMMER SCHOOL MEETS CHILDREN IN MOSQUES
Seyyah Summer School, another significant work carried out by TÜGVA during the summer period, continues to meet with students receiving education in Quran courses under the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Teams visiting mosques in all 39 districts of Istanbul organize sports games, educational activities, team studies, and social activities. Within the scope of the program, various gifts and treats are also offered to children. Thanks to Seyyah Summer School, mosques become not just places of education but living spaces where children play, make friends, socialize, and have enjoyable times throughout the summer. Beytullah Çiçen: "We Carry Our Children's Joy to Every Corner of Istanbul" Beytullah Çiçen, TÜGVA Istanbul Provincial Representative, stated that the work carried out is not merely about organizing events and used the following expressions:
"We want our children to spend their summer vacation not in front of screens but by playing games with friends, doing sports, learning, and making new memories. In our Summer School programs held in our schools, we have approximately 200 thousand registered students. Through our Square Festivals, we reached over 500 thousand children in every corner of Istanbul. With our Seyyah Summer School, we go to our children receiving education in our mosques. Our children's happiness and our families' satisfaction are our greatest motivation."
Stating that the programs were carried out with contributions from different institutions, Çiçen continued his words as follows:
"I sincerely thank our Istanbul Governorship and our Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, who contributed and supported our project, along with the BTK Academy Truck and the Truck of our Turkish Traditional Sports Branches Federation, which brought our children together with invaluable activities, as well as all institutions and stakeholders who contributed to this meaningful organization that enabled our children to learn while having fun and gain cultural and technological achievements, and also our volunteers who worked with great dedication."
In addition to the Summer School, Square Festivals, and Seyyah Summer School programs, TÜGVA carries out work in the fields of education, culture, art, sports, and social responsibility for children and young people in all 39 districts of Istanbul throughout the year. Through trainings, camps, workshops, sports activities, cultural programs, and volunteer projects aimed at middle school, high school, and university students, it reaches hundreds of thousands of children and young people.