Happy and Healthy New Year…

We are passing the year 2023.

As we enter the year 2024, we commemorate with respect, love and longing my dear husband and our father Salih Tatlıcı, whom we have always kept and will always keep alive in our hearts since 22 February 2009, when he left us in great pain.

Approaching all cultures and beliefs with respect, without marginalising any human being, and standing at an equal distance to all religions and beliefs, our Foundation has always supported those who need help, such as the disabled, the environment, education, culture, stray animals, war victims, earthquake victims, and providing water to Africa, both in Turkey and abroad.

On 6 February, a large number of our citizens lost their lives, were injured, lost their homes and belongings in the earthquake that occurred in Kahramanmaraş and was also experienced in our neighbouring provinces. In this earthquake, our foundation supported all Non-Governmental Organisations, especially AFAD, which worked to meet the needs of our citizens, primarily shelter.

As “Salih Tatlıcı Foundation”, we sincerely wish that the year 2024 will be a beautiful year in which love, peace, health and tranquility prevail for all people and living things, and that the evils that negatively affect humanity and all living things in our country and all over the world will end.

Happy New Year!

 

Nurten & Uğur Tatlıcı

Christmas Gift from our Foundation to our Brazilian Friends

As Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, we have donated to “Institute DARA“, headquartered in Brazil, which works to promote health and human development by implementing and developing an integrated approach to combating poverty, has received awards for its work, has directly affected the lives of more than 85,000 socially vulnerable people in Brazil and indirectly more than 1,000,000 people on four continents, is considered the best NGO in Latin America and the 20th NGO in the world.

We Supported the Realisation of a Christmas Dream

Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, said: “For many people, Christmas means an abundant table full of traditional New Year’s dishes. But this is not the case for everyone. Many mothers in situations of social vulnerability that Dara Institute helps, struggle to put food on the table and give their families a joyful and dignified Christmas. With a donation, it is possible to make it possible for families to have dinner with more food, more fraternity and more happiness. As a foundation, we have donated to the DARA Institute, which strives to promote health and human development through the implementation and dissemination of an integrated multidisciplinary approach to poverty alleviation. We wish everyone good health and happiness in 2024 with the hope of living in a healthy and sustainable world where everyone has the same opportunities and rights, enabling people to be leading players in their own development.”

Instituto DARA

The Dara Institute is a non-governmental organisation working to promote health and human development by implementing and developing an integrated approach to combating poverty.

Dara is a name built over three decades and is associated with the complete transformation of thousands of families. The original meaning of the word is “star” in the Asian Sanskrit Khmer language, strengthened by centuries of memories and hardship. A pioneer in cross-sectoral work on the social determinants of health around the world, the organisation was founded in 1991 by Dr Vera Cordeiro, as well as a group of professionals from Hospital da Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Due to the multidimensional nature of poverty, Dara believes that the social transformation of vulnerable families is only possible if different areas of human development are addressed simultaneously and in an integrated manner. For this reason, Dara has developed the Plano de Ação Familiar (PAF – Family Action Plan) social methodology, designed according to the needs of each family.

To fulfil its mission, the Institute directly assists vulnerable families, promotes knowledge on human development, works to influence public policies and mobilise civil society.

For ten consecutive years (until 2022), Dara has been recognised as the best NGO in Latin America and the 20th in the world. Throughout its history, the institute has received awards and recognition for its work and has directly impacted the lives of more than 85,000 socially vulnerable people in Brazil and indirectly more than 1,000,000 people on four continents.

Throughout its history, Dara’s impact has been made possible by the work of more than 1600 volunteers, over 100 employees and a network of partnerships. The Dara Institute is headquartered in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), with offices in Brasília (DF), São Paulo (SP) and New York (USA).

The donations and aid projects mentioned here were made by the founders of our Foundation, Nurten Tatlıcı and her son Uğur Tatlıcı, in memory of the late Salih Tatlıcı, the benevolent person whose name continues to live on through our Foundation and whom they bid farewell in journey to eternity in 2009.

We Celebrate The Christmas Of All Christendom

Every year is a source of hope and joy for all of us, a symbol of rebirth and love. Despite all the negativities in our world today, the preference of humanity has always been in favour of love, peace and tranquility.

We wish that the Christmas, which is one of the important days that reminds people of love and tolerance and is celebrated with enthusiasm in the whole Christendom, will be instrumental in bringing closer the days full of love, away from violence and conflict, which we always need and long for.

On this occasion, as Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, which approaches all cultures and beliefs with respect, does not marginalise any human being and stands at an equal distance to all religions and beliefs, we congratulate the Christmas of all Christians in our country and in our world with our sincerest feelings, hoping for a world where humanity lives together in peace; we wish them peace, happiness and well-being.

 

Nurten & Uğur Tatlıcı

 

Christmas

Christmas is the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus on 25 December each year. It is also known as the Nativity, the Holy Nativity or the Christmastide.

Christmas is celebrated on 25 December each year by the majority of Christians around the world. In some countries, celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and continue until the end of 25 December.

“Christmas” and other similar words used today in some Western countries, especially in the English-speaking world, are a combination of the Greek word Christos (Christ) and the Latin word messa (Eucharist). The origin of the word messa is again the Latin word “missa” (sending, posting).

On Christmas Day, gifts left under the Christmas tree are received and given. For small children, gifts and sweets are placed in giant stockings. The children are told that Father Christmas has brought these gifts.

In Christianity, the Christmas tree symbolises the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The branches and thorny leaves of the tree are seen as a symbol of immortality and are said to symbolise the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the cross. It is also believed that each ornament used to decorate the Christmas tree has a special significance. From a spiritual point of view, our personal qualities are also considered to be ornaments, such as peace, love, kindness, gentleness, joy, goodness, loyalty, kindness, etc.

Decorating the tree brings joy to the whole family. Every year, all members come together to decorate the tree with various ornaments and wish for a healthy and joyful life.

Hand in Hand for a Greener World

Our Foundation has donated to “The GoodPlanet Foundation” based in Paris, which works for a healthier world by raising awareness on ecology and solidarity issues and taking concrete actions in the field, companies and communities for a more sustainable world. A letter of thanks was presented to our Foundation regarding the donation.

Let’s Cooperate to Make Planet Earth a Much Healthier, Greener and Happier Place to Live and to Create a Positive Change.

Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, said: “As all humanity, let’s urgently stop damaging and polluting nature. A healthier environment is an urgent need. Let’s shape a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for everyone. As Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, we will always continue to do our part to protect nature and the environment.”

The GoodPlanet Foundation

Recognised as a public service, the GoodPlanet Foundation was founded in 2005 by Yann Arthus-Bertrand as an extension of his artistic work and commitment. Its main mission is to raise awareness of ecology and solidarity issues and to take concrete actions on the ground, in companies and communities for a more sustainable world. In 2017, its first office dedicated to ecology and solidarity was opened in Paris on 3.5 hectares of nature in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. Every year, it welcomes around 60,000 people free of charge and offers them a positive and benevolent ecology experience through a committed artistic and cultural programme.

The GoodPlanet Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of current environmental and social issues among all stakeholders. It implements projects on the ground to act on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants, giving everyone the opportunity to commit themselves and become an actor of change. Around the world, these development projects contribute to improving the environment, the quality of life of the populations concerned and combating climate change. The Foundation also enables philanthropists to support projects with strong environmental and social impact, whether field projects or educational projects on the environment and solidarity.
The donations and aid projects mentioned here were made by the founders of our Foundation, Nurten Tatlıcı and her son Uğur Tatlıcı, in memory of the late Salih Tatlıcı, the benevolent person whose name continues to live on through our Foundation and whom they bid farewell in journey to eternity in 2009.

Happy Hanukkah of the Jewish World

The story of Hanukkah teaches us that even a little bit of light, wherever it is found, can dispel the darkness and illuminate the way forward.

One of the most valuable legacies left by deep-rooted history and civilisation is the understanding of tolerance that rejects all forms of discrimination on the basis of language, belief and race. Today, when intolerance towards different beliefs and identities is increasing in various parts of the world, it is the duty of humanity to stand against all kinds of discrimination and protect these values.

On this occasion, as the Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, which approaches all cultures and beliefs with respect, does not marginalise any human being, and stands at an equal distance to all religions and beliefs, we sincerely congratulate the Hanukkah of all Jews in our country and in the world with our sincerest feelings, wishing them peace, happiness and well-being, hoping for a world where humanity lives together in peace.


Nurten & Uğur Tatlıcı


Hanukkah

Hanukkah, or the Feast of Lights, is a Jewish feast celebrated for 2200 years in honour of the Jewish recapture of Jerusalem from the Seleucid Empire around 200 BC. According to the Hebrew calendar, it lasts for eight days and eight nights, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev. According to the Gregorian calendar, it occurs at the end of November at the earliest and mid-December at the latest. The festival begins with the lighting of the candles of a nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah (or hanukkiah).

Happy “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” for all disabled people around the world

Our Foundation has donated to “Pasitos de Luz“, a registered non-profit charity organisation providing care for disabled children of low-income families in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay region of Mexico, on the occasion of the International Day of Awareness celebrated by the United Nations on 3 December every year since 1992. A certificate of appreciation was presented to the Foundation by the relevant organisation.

With Love, Solidarity and Empathy, We Can Build a Life Without Disabilities Together

Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, said: “This special day is an opportunity to raise awareness in all societies and to support everyone to live a life without disabilities. Respect for people with disabilities is respect for humanity. We can overcome obstacles together and support each other. Obstacles are difficulties that can be overcome with strong will. The determination of disabled people teaches us how strong we can be in life. As the Foundation, we have donated to “Pasitos de Luz” in Mexico in order to provide the necessary support to all disabled people in the world regardless of religion, language, race, region and gender. As the Foundation, we will continue our support and efforts for a world that embraces the disabled. Happy 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”

Pasitos de Luz

Founded in November 2000, Pasitos de Luz is a registered non-profit organisation providing care for disabled children from low-income families in the Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay region of Mexico. All services are provided 100% free of charge. Pasitos de Luz is located in Casa Connor. The children who come to Casa Connor often suffer from acute physical and/or psychological disabilities and many of them are unable to enter the general education system. In addition, these children are provided with a safe environment during the day, enabling parents to go to work. This income is vital for many families struggling to make ends meet. They offer a wide range of services completely free of charge, including physical therapy, psychological care, nutrition and healthy living, educational programmes and much more.
The donations and aid projects mentioned here were made by the founders of our Foundation, Nurten Tatlıcı and her son Uğur Tatlıcı, in memory of the late Salih Tatlıcı, the benevolent person whose name continues to live on through our Foundation and whom they bid farewell in journey to eternity in 2009.

We Stand By All Our Women Who Are Exposed To Violence

Violence against women is one of the most urgent issues that must be confronted.

Although we, as his son Uğur and his wife Nurten, are away from domestic violence in our nuclear family —a family our late father Salih Tatlıcı established with the principles of love, respect, and equality— unfortunately, there are negative examples in our extended family history.

We know that education and academic degrees do not solve the problems at the root of violence, and we believe that violence against women should be handled with character education and awareness.

We reject violence against women and support the dignity, safety and equal rights of every woman.

We wish all women to live in a happy, healthy and loving world without being subjected to violence. . .

 

Nurten & Uğur Tatlıcı

 

25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The reason why this day was designated as 25 November is based on an event that took place in the Dominican Republic in 1960.

Three sisters, the Mirabal Sisters, known for their opposition to Rafael Trujillo, who ruled the country under dictatorship, were brutally murdered by strangulation and beatings days after Trujillo’s statement that “There are two dangers in the country, the Church and the Mirabal Sisters”.

Support from our Foundation to the United Nations

Our Foundation has donated to the Israel Representative Office of “UNHCR-The United Nations Refugee Agency“, which provides compassion to refugees and works on basic protection issues including refugee rights, reception conditions of asylum seekers, durable solutions, protection of children. UNHCR presented a certificate of appreciation to our Foundation for the donation.

Everyone In Need Should Have The Right To Seek Asylum.

Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, said: “Every individual who has fled violence, persecution, war or disaster in their own country should be able to exercise their right to seek asylum and access protection in safety. It is a humanitarian duty to provide vital assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and stateless people who have no one else to turn to for support. We, as the Foundation, donated to the “UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees” – Israel Representative Office, which works to save the lives of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes and to build a better future for them. Turkey plays an important role in the global migration waves that have increased in recent years and hosts millions of migrants and asylum seekers. With this donation, we aim to encourage other countries in the region, such as Israel, to share the burden of the migrant and refugee problem with Turkey. Supporting Turkey’s efforts in this regard is of great importance for regional stability and solidarity. We hope to see increased efforts to ensure that everyone in need has the right to seek asylum and access to safe protection in another country.”

UNHCR-The United Nations Refugee Agency

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes after World War II. Its term of office was set to expire after three years, during which time UNHCR had to complete its work.

Today, 73 years later, the organisation is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world. In 1954, UNHCR won the Nobel Peace Prize for its groundbreaking work in Europe. In 1981, UNHCR was awarded a second Nobel Peace Prize for its assistance to refugees worldwide.

In the early 21st century, UNHCR provided assistance in major refugee crises in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. At the same time, when asked to use its expertise to assist persons internally displaced by conflict, UNHCR expanded its role by assisting stateless persons. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was strengthened by additional regional and legal instruments adopted in some parts of the world, such as Africa and Latin America.

Celebrating its 73rd anniversary in 2023, UNHCR has helped more than 50 million refugees successfully re-enter the world.

UNHCR first established a presence in Israel in March 1976 when it opened a small ‘Honorary Correspondent’ office. Zina Harman, a career Israeli Diplomat and former Member of Knesset, was appointed UNHCR’s first Honorary Correspondent, a post she held until 1999. In the late 1990s, the number of asylum seekers in Israel began to increase steadily and this new development gave acceleration to the Government and UNHCR to start a constructive dialogue on how to establish a national refugee status determination (RSD) procedure and create a better solution.
The donations and aid projects mentioned here were made by the founders of our Foundation, Nurten Tatlıcı and her son Uğur Tatlıcı, in memory of the late Salih Tatlıcı, the benevolent person whose name continues to live on through our Foundation and whom they bid farewell in journey to eternity in 2009.

Scholarship Support from our Foundation to Young People Studying at University

Salih Tatlıcı Foundation, in cooperation with the 160-year-old Darüşaafaka Society, one of the most respected and best educational institutions in Turkey, which raises talented young people who do not have the opportunity for qualified education, started monthly scholarship support for students who enroll in university with a success rate between the top 5% and 25% in the university exam in the 2023 – 2024 academic year.

The first scholarship payments were paid to the scholarship recipients’ accounts through the intermediary of the Darüşşafaka Society.

Scholarship Is A Very Meaningful Contribution To The Future

Regarding the donation, Uğur Tatlıcı, Executive Board Member of our Foundation, said: “We need to support education in order for our country to reach higher levels economically. As the Foundation, we have started to provide scholarships to young people who ranked in the top 25% in the university exam since this academic year. We select our successful young people who receive scholarships in cooperation with the Darüşşafaka Society, a well-established and respected institution of our country. We would like to thank the Darüşşafaka Society for their co-operation. As a foundation, we are very happy to start scholarship support. We also wish our university students, to whom we have started to provide scholarship support, continued success.”

For 160 Years, Our Traditional Institution Providing Equal Opportunity In Education, The Darüşşafaka Society

“Cemiyet-i Tedrisiye-i İslamiye” was founded by Yusuf Ziya Pasha, Gazi Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Vidinli Hüseyin Tevfik Pasha, Sakızlı Ahmet Esat Pasha and Ali Naki Efendi with the edict of Sultan Abdülaziz Khan dated 30 March 1863. Its aim was to support the education and training of poor and orphaned children. The Society, of which many Ottoman pashas and intellectuals were members, constituted the first example of a civil organization in the field of education in the history of Turkey. Since 1863, the Darüşşafaka Educational Institutions, with the donations of philanthropists, has been raising talented young people who do not have the opportunity for a good education as leader individuals who adopt universal values, are self-confident, and are aware of their duties and responsibilities towards their country and society. The Darüşşafaka Society also provides complimentary scholarship support to graduates of the Darüşşafaka High School who continue their education at the university. On the other hand, since 2014, there is also a higher education scholarship program for university students who are not the Darüşşafaka graduates.

The donations and aid projects mentioned here were made by the founders of our Foundation, Nurten Tatlıcı and her son Uğur Tatlıcı, in memory of the late Salih Tatlıcı, the benevolent person whose name continues to live on through our Foundation and whom they bid farewell in journey to eternity in 2009.

International Day of Tolerance

1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance UNESCO:

“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”

In a world that aspires to peace and where democracy is on the rise, we are sadly witnessing a strong resurgence of racism, xenophobia, extreme forms of nationalism, religious fanaticism and all forms of social exclusion and discrimination.

Tolerance is respect and appreciation of the rich diversity of world cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. Human beings are naturally diverse. Only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the world.

As the Foundation, we hope that November 16, “International Day of Tolerance”, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, will contribute to efforts to create a world where people of different religions, beliefs and cultures can live in peace and harmony within the framework of the principle of mutual tolerance, where independent and impartial legal practices are valid.


Nurten & Uğur Tatlıcı