TAG: Annual meetings

FUEN TAG held its first online meeting in 2024

The Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities in the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) (TAG) held its first online meeting in 2024 on Saturday, 30 March 2024. At the meeting where Turkic minorities and communities came together, the developments in the first three months of 2024 and the activities of 2024 were assessed.

The meeting attended by FUEN Vice President Nabi Ibrahimcik was chaired by FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu. The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace; the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks in Kosovo; International Meskhetian Turks Association ‘‘VATAN’’, representing Meskhetian Turks; the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people and ‘‘Meras’’ Association, which protects and develops the Gagauz Language and Culture, representing the Gagauz people in Moldova all attended the meeting.

At the meeting where FUEN Vice President Nabi İbrahimcik delivered his opening remarks, FUEN TAG Spokesperson Halit Habip Oğlu conveyed the activities carried out as FUEN TAG since the FUEN TAG Annual Meeting held in Western Thrace, Greece on 1-4 November 2023. The Turkic minorities and communities that attended the meeting also conveyed the developments affecting their respective communities and the activities of their associations in the countries they live in in the last five months.

FUEN TAG Spokesperson conveyed the developments regarding the working visits to be made by FUEN TAG within the scope of 2024 activities and the annual meeting that will be held in Ankara in 2024.

The host of the 9th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG were the Western Thrace Turks

Turkic minorities and communities from the Balkans to the Caucasus came together at the meetings in Western Thrace and demonstrated cooperation and solidarity

The 9th Annual Meeting of the Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities within the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) (TAG) was held in Western Thrace, Greece, hosted by the Turkish community in Western Thrace on 1-4 November 2023.

Representatives from ten Turkic organisations from eight different European countries, bringing together Turkic minorities and communities from the Balkans to the Caucasus attended the meetings which were organised jointly by the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), Friendship Equality and Peace (FEP) Party and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA), which together represent the Turkish community in Western Thrace within the framework of FUEN.

ABTTF, FEP Party and WTMUGA, representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace; the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” representing the Meskhetian Turks; the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks in Kosovo; the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People representing the Crimean Tatars (QTMM); the Tatar Democratic Union representing the Romanian Tatars; Kırcaali Turkish Culture and Art Association (TÜRKSAD) representing the Turks in Bulgaria; the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people and ‘‘Meras’’ Association, which protects and develops the Gagauz Language and Culture, representing the Gagauz people in Moldova all attended the meetings.

Participants had the opportunity to get to know the Turkish community in Western Thrace and the Western Thrace region closely

Within the framework of the cultural and visit programme hosted by ABTTF, FEP Party and WTMUGA, the participants were received by Aykut Ünal, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Komotini, in the garden of the Consulate General on Thursday, 2 November. Following the meeting with Consul General Ünal, the participants visited the Office of the Elected Mufti of Komotini, FEP Party Headquarters, WTMUGA Headquarters, Western Thrace Minority Culture and Education Company (PEKEM), Komotini Turkish Youth Union (GTGB) and the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers Union (BTTÖB). The participants, who were informed about the activities and works of the institutions and organisations in question during the visits, thus gathered the chance to examine the issues of the Turkish community in Western Thrace on site.

Following the visits, the participants visited Komotini city centre accompanied by a guide and attended a cultural night event hosted by GTGB in the evening. At the night, BTTÖB Turkish Classical Music Choir delivered a special concert to the participants.

The participants, who travelled Komotini to Xanthi on Friday, 3 November, first met with the Elected Mufti of Xanthi Mustafa Trampa, and later visited the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB). During the meetings, the issues faced by the Turkish community in Western Thrace in the field of freedom of religion and freedom of association were discussed, and participants were informed about ITB’s 40-year long struggle for their rights and justice.

A common road map for 2024 was constituted with the opinions and suggestions of the participants

The 9th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG was held at WTMUGA Xanthi Cultural Centre on Friday afternoon, 3 November. FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu indicated that they organised this meeting physically, hosted by the Turkish community in Western Thrace, to which they belong after 2018, due to the pandemic and the subsequent Ukraine-Russia war, and noted that they want to continue all the activities that were previously suspended as of 2024 and visit the FUEN TAG member organisations on site.

FUEN Vice President Nabi Ibrahimcik also revealed information with respect to the latest developments within FUEN in the last year and FUEN’s activities.

In the continuation of the meeting, representatives of the host Western Thrace Turks, Meskhetian Turks, Kosovo Turks, Bulgarian Turks, Crimean Tatars, Romanian Tatars, Ukrainian Gagauz, and Moldavian Gagauz conveyed the issues of the Turkic minorities and communities they belong to and the activities of the organisations they represent.

The meeting, where FUEN TAG’s 2024 activities were discussed, ended with the constitution of the 2024 activity programme and common road map with the contributions of the participating organisations.

After the meeting, the participants came together at the cultural night hosted by ITB, and the ITB Turkish Classical Music Choir delivered a concert in the evening.

Turkic minorities and communities came together in the 8th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG

The 8th Annual Meeting of the Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) was realised on 11 December 2022.

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) and the Friendship Equality and Peace (FEP) Party representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER) representing Rhodes and Kos Turks, the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” representing the Meskhetian Turks, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People representing the Crimean Tatars (QTMM), the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El) representing the Karachay-Balkars and the Tatar Democratic Union representing the Romanian Tatars attended the 8th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG.

At the meeting, which started with the greetings of FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu and FUEN Vice-President Nabi İbrahimcik, Habip Oğlu was unanimously re-elected as FUEN TAG Spokesman.

The participating organisations conveyed the important developments regarding the Turkic minorities and communities they have represented since the last annual meeting in December 2021, as well as the activities they carried out in 2022 and planned to perform in the near future.

The meeting ended with the discussion of FUEN TAG’s 2023 action plan and the identification of the common roadmap for it.

Turkic minorities and communities came together in the 7th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG

The 7th Annual Meeting of the Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) was realised on 11 December 2021. Turkic minorities and communities that are members of FUEN attended through the online platform the meeting which was held online.

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER) representing Rhodes and Kos Turks, the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El) representing the Karachay-Balkars, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People representing the Crimean Tatars, the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks in Kosovo, the Tatar Democratic Union representing the Romanian Tatars and the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people all attended the 7th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG.

At the meeting, which started with the opening speech of FUEN Vice President and FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu, Habip Oğlu indicated the developments related to FUEN and FUEN TAG and the activities carried out by FUEN since the last annual meeting in December 2020.

Following his opening speech, Naim Belgin, president of the Tatar Democratic Union which became a new member of FUEN during the FUEN Board of Delegates in September 2021, delivered a presentation on its establishment, its activities and the Tatar ethnic community in Romania. He further explained that The Tatar Democratic Union aims to preserve and maintain the native language, cultural identity, traditions and customs of the Tatar community in Romania, adding that it organises activities for children and young people for this purpose.

Following the presentation, the participating organisations conveyed important developments related to the Turkic minorities and communities they represent and their current issues and their work and activities.

In the second part of the meeting, the theme of the meeting was education, mother tongue, and the importance of teaching and using minority languages in the public sphere for an inclusive society within the framework of the linguistic rights of Turkic minorities and communities were discussed.

The participating organisations conveyed the practices of teaching the mother tongue within the framework of the linguistic rights of the Turkic minorities and communities they represent in their countries of residence and the use of Turkish in the public sphere at the local, regional and national level with education in the mother tongue.

The meeting ended with the discussion of FUEN TAG’s activities for 2022 and the determination of a common roadmap.

Turkic minorities and communities gathered at the 3rd Thematic Seminar of FUEN TAG

The 3rd Thematic Seminar of the Working Group on Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) was realised online on 24 September 2021. Turkic minorities and communities came together at the seminar, which was held on a virtual platform.

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, the Rhodes Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER) representing Rhodes and Kos Turks, the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and the Public Union Of Meskhetian (Ahıska) Turks living In Azerbaijan “VATAN” representing Meskhetian Turks and the Tatar Democratic Union representing the Romanian Tatars all attended the online seminar.

The seminar began with a greeting speech by FUEN Vice-President and FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu. Habip Oğlu reported on the developments related to FUEN and FUEN TAG since the second thematic seminar in June 2021 and the activities carried out by FUEN. Stating that FUEN’s 65th annual congress was held in a hybrid format (physical and online participation) due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Trieste, Italy on 9-12 September 2021, Habip Oğlu noted that the Congress voted to adopt amendments to the FUEN charter and that the new charter would come into force in the coming months.

Following the greeting speech, President of the Tatar Democratic Union Naim Belgin, the new distinguished member of FUEN, expressed great pleasure in joining the FUEN TAG family and informed about the activities of the Tatar Community in Romania and the Tatar Democratic Union, which was established in 2008. Belgin stated that the aim of the Tatar Democratic Union is to preserve and maintain the language and culture of the Tatar community living in Romania, and that they publish books for this purpose.

On behalf of the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN ", Head of Foreign Relations and Researcher Ansar Usmanov, delivered a presentation on the history and culture of Meskhetian Turks, the theme of the seminar, and their struggle to return to their ancestral lands in Georgia. Usmanov stated that the Meskhetian Turks, whose ancestral lands are located in the south of Georgia, were exiled by Soviet Leader Stalin on 14 November 1944, adding that the majority of Meskhetian Turks, whose total population is estimated to be about 450,000-600,000 today, live in Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan and the United States. Usmanov noted that Georgia passed a law in 2007, known as the ‘Return’ law, which was set as a condition of membership during Georgia’s accession to the Council of Europe in 1999, claiming that Georgia had fulfilled its obligations with the law, but that no return had been achieved in the time that has passed so far. Usmanov further indicated that the Russian Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks "VATAN" representing Meskhetian Turks and the Public Union of Meskhetian Turks living In Azerbaijan “VATAN” are actively working both in Russia and Azerbaijan, where they are based, and on international platforms for the return of Meskhetian Turks to their ancestral lands.

In the second part of the seminar, the participating organisations reported on the developments related to the Turkic minorities and communities they represented since the second seminar in June 2021 and their current problems and their work and activities.

Turkic minorities and communities got together at the 2. Thematic Seminar of FUEN TAG

The Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) in the Federal Union of European Nations (FUEN) organized its 2. thematic seminar online on 23 June 2021. The Turkic minorities and communities living in a wide geography from the Balkans to the Caucasus met at the seminar held on a virtual platform.

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, the Rhodes Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER) representing Rhodes and Kos Turks, the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and the Public Union Of Meskhetian (Ahıska) Turks living In Azerbaijan “VATAN” representing Meskhetian Turks, the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks in Kosovo, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People representing the Crimean Tatars, the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El) representing the Karachay-Balkars and the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people all attended the online seminar.

The seminar began with the opening speech by FUEN Vice President and FUEN TAG Spokesman Halit Habip Oğlu. Stating that he was very pleased to meet with all participants, Habip Oğlu noted that FUEN will hold its annual congress in Trieste, Italy on 9-12 September 2021, and that the congress is expected to vote on amendments to the statutes. Habip Oğlu also briefed on FUEN’s recent projects and activities and the meetings of other working groups in FUEN.

In the first part of the seminar, QTMM Representative and Crimean Tatar Community Coordinator Elvin Kadirov gave a presentation on the history, deportation and struggle of Crimean Tatars, the theme of the seminar. Noting that Crimean Tatars have lived on the Crimean Peninsula for thousands of years and are known as the indigenous people of Crimea, Kadirov said that on 18 May 1944, Crimean Tatars were exiled to Central Asia by the USSR for allegedly collaborating with Nazi Germany. Kadirov indicated that a total of 238,500 Crimean Tatars was exiled, and that 42.6 percent died during exile, adding that exile is now known as a genocide for the Crimean Tatars that were exiled with inhumane treatment. Kadirov stated that with the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Crimean Tatars returned to Crimea by their own means and acquired land, houses and property, but 33 years later they were forced from their homes after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014. Indicating that the QTMM Congress will celebrate its 30th birthday on 26 June 2021, Kadirov stated that the Mejlis is now in exile in Kiev, not in Bakhchysarai (Bahçesaray) due to Russia’s invasion of Crimea, and that Crimean Tatars continue to fight with the Mejlis and their other non-governmental organisations outside Crimea.

In the second part of the seminar, the participating organisations reported the developments and current problems with respect to the Turkic minorities/communities they represent and their activities they have carried out since the first seminar in March 2021.

Turkic minorities and communities got together at the 2. Thematic Seminar of FUEN TAG

[Translate to türkisch:]

FUEN TAG held its 1st online thematic seminar

The Turkic minorities and communities came together on the virtual platform for the first seminar of FUEN TAG thematic seminars which were launched in 2021.

The Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) in the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) held its 1st online thematic seminar on 25 March 2021. In line with the decision taken on 22.12.2020 at the 6th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG on 22.12.2020 to meet regularly on the virtual platform as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Turkic minorities and communities which are members of FUEN met in the first online thematic seminar.

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) and the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and the Public Union Of Meskhetian (Ahıska) Turks living In Azerbaijan “VATAN” representing Meskhetian Turks, the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El) representing the Karachay-Balkars and the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people all attended the online seminar.

In the seminar, which started with a greeting and opening speech by FUEN Vice-President and FUEN TAG Spokesperson Halit Habip Oğlu, Habip Oğlu reported the developments regarding FUEN and FUEN TAG since the 6th annual meeting which was held on 22 December 2020.

Indicating that the Karachays and Balkars, who live on both sides of Mount Elbruz, the highest point in Russia and Europe, in the foothills and skirts of the Central Caucasus, see themselves as a people with a common language and culture, Hadjieva added that they protect the Turkish language in a very clean manner. Hadjieva quoted the work and projects of Bars El and Bars El's youth organisation Elbrusoid, saying that Bars-El worked to preserve and revive the language, culture and traditions of the Karachay-Balkars, and explained that they are trying to cover all Karachay and Balkars regardless of the geography in which they are residing.

Explaining that Elbrusoid which was founded in Moscow in 2003 has as a main goal to train educated young people who are successfully integrated into modern society and are carriers of traditional national culture, Hadjieva added that Elbrusoid has a publishing house, recording studio, documentary film studio and national dance studio to achieve the goals set. Hadjieva stated that Elbrusoid distributed magazines and printed books in Karachay-Balkar language free of charge to schools and educational institutions in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and she added that Elbrusoid's portal (www.elbrusoid.org) is a unique data base with respect to bilingual education, Karachay-Balkar language, culture, music, history, archaeology, fine arts and much more, and that in just a few years they have managed to create a unique national Karachay-Balkar electronic library. Stating that Elbrusoid reproduces films and cartoons by performing them in Karachay-Balkar language, Hadjieva further noted that it has developed an audiobook project aimed at preserving and disseminating the mother tongue and literature, and a karaoke application to endear songs and preserve cultural heritage.

In the second part of the seminar, the participating organisations conveyed the current developments regarding the Turkic minorities and Turkic communities they are representing as well as in the countries they live in since the last annual meeting, as well as the work and activities they have carried out.

FUEN TAG held its 6th Annual Meeting online

Turkic minorities and communities from the Balkans to the Caucasus came together on the virtual platform.

The Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG) in the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) held its 6th Annual Meeting on 22 December 2020 online as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected the world as a whole. The FUEN TAG meeting, which was initially planned to be held on 9-12 August 2020 in Cherkessk in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and be hosted by the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El), was moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Turkic minorities and communities which are FUEN members came together on the virtual platform.

In the meeting, which was held in Zoom, the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA) and the Friendship, Equality and Peace (FEP) Party representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER) representing Rhodes and Kos Turks, the Public Organisation of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and the Public Union Of Meskhetian (Ahıska) Turks living In Azerbaijan “VATAN” representing Meskhetian Turks, the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions (Bars El) representing the Karachay-Balkars, the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks in Kosovo and after several years of participation in FUEN TAG meetings and its formal membership to FUEN at the occasion of FUEN 2020 Congress, the regional civil society organization “Qumuqlar” in charge of the protection of the Kumuk language and the coordination of Kumuk projects also attended the meeting. Kırcaali Turkish Culture and Arts Association from Bulgaria, which is not yet a member of FUEN but attended FUEN TAG meetings in the past, and the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Ukrainian Gagauz people, also participated in the meeting.

The meeting started with the opening speech of FUEN Vice President Halit Habip Oğlu. Habip Oğlu expressed that they could not physically come together to the meeting which was initially to be hosted by Karachay-Balkars as a result o the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected the world as a whole but that they were very pleased to be together within the virtual platform. Habip Oğlu stated that it is not physically possible to attend meetings in 2020 due to the pandemic, and that they continue to communicate and cooperate with FUEN TAG members by e-mail. In the continuation of the meeting, the participating organisations recorded important developments with respect to Turkic minorities and communities that they are representing in the countries where they live as well as the work carried out by their associations in this process.

In the afternoon session of the two-session meeting, the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation of Turkic minorities/communities were discussed. The participating organizations have relayed the activities that they carried out as representing Turkic minorities and communities with respect to the fight against the virus and to find ways in protecting from the virus in the countries where they live in since the pandemic first started in March 2020. In addition, participating organizations expressed their experiences and problems with access to information in the mother tongue and learning in the mother tongue during the pandemic, access to health services and language education during the distance education process.

FUEN TAG will meet regularly on the online platform in 2021

During the meeting where FUEN TAG's work plan and roadmap for 2021 were discussed, proposals for active use of the FUEN TAG website and social media accounts were discussed. The Turkic minorities and communities participating in the meeting decided to follow an active study at the international level in 2021, this in relation to the changing conditions of the pandemic and underlined the importance of raising the issues by attending international meetings in line with this decision. In addition, Turkic minorities and communities participating in the meeting decided to meet regularly on the online platform in 2021, depending on the conditions of the pandemic.

Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia hosted the 5th annual meeting of FUEN TAG

Turkish minorities and communities from Balkans to Caucasus convened in Gagauzia and showed their cooperation and solidarity.

The 5th Annual Meeting of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) Working Group (TAG) of Turkic Minorities/Communities took place on 15-18 November 2018 hosted by Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia affiliated to Republic of Moldova. From Balkans to Caucasus, thirteen Turkish minorities or communities participated at the meeting held in Comrat, capital of Gagauzia. With the aim to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation with the homeland Republic of Turkey, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) participated at the meeting and informed the participants about the activities of YTB.

As sibling community Talysh people in Azerbaijan participated at FUEN TAG meeting for the first time

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace, the Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROİSDER) representing the Rhodes and Kos Turks, the International Society of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and the Meskhetian Turks Social Union living in Azerbaijan “VATAN” representing the Meskhetian Turks, the Societal Organization for Strengthening and Development of Karachay-Balkar Traditions “Bars-El” representing the Karachay-Balkar Turks and the Kosovo Youth Union Association representing the Turks living in Kosovo which became the member of FUEN at FUEN Congress in 2018 participated at the meeting in Comrat. Besides, associations who are not yet member of FUEN but participated at the previous FUEN TAG meeting such as Kardzhali Turkish Culture and Arts Association from Bulgaria, the Qumuq association “Qumuqs” from Moscow; the Ukrainian Gagauz Union representing the Gagauzians living in Ukraine and the Turkish Democratic Party representing the Turks living in Macedonia attended the meeting. Furthermore, the Azerbaijan Youth Public Support Association “Education” representing the Talysh minority in Azerbaijan participated at the meeting for the first time with the motto “Recognize your Sibling”.

Vice President of FUEN met with Olesya Tanasoğlu, Vice President of Gagauzian Executive Committee

Vice President of FUEN, Halit Habip Oğlu, was received by Olesya Tanasoğlu, Deputy Governor of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. Habip Oğlu received information about the activities regarding the autonomous region at the meeting where Vitalii Vlah, Head of the External Relations Department of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia was also present.

During the programme hosted by Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with Gagauzia and Gagauzian Turks

Within the framework of the cultural and visit programme hosted by Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia on 16 November 2018, the participants first visited M. Maruneviç Science and Research Center, they were informed about Gagauzia from Irina Konstantinova, Director of the center as well as the studies of the center. Afterwards, the delegation visited Comrat State University and received information about the studies of the university from, Prof. Serghei Zaharia, the Rector of Comrat State Universty. Later on, the delegation visited Cathedral of Saint Joan the Baptist and At-Prolin Horse Raising State Establishment, Dimitri Kara-Çoban Historical Ethnography Museum and Beşalma Village Windmill Cultural Monument. The delegation visited the biggest village of Europe, Kongaz Village, and here they visited National Gagauzian Etno-Avlu Tourist Complex. In the evening, the delegation attended the official reception hosted by the Executive Committee of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia on the occasion of the 5th Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG and here they met with Vitalii Vlah Head of the External Relations Department of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and Ivan Topal, Governor of Comrat.

Irina Vlah, Governor of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia received FUEN TAG delegation

Irina Vlah, Governor of Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, received FUEN TAG delegation at the Executive Committee building on 17 November 2018. At this meeting, while Halit Habip Oğlu, Vice President of FUEN, presented FUEN and FUEN TAG, participant Turkic minorities and communities had the opportunity to introduce themselves. At the meeting held in a warm environment, Governor Vlah stated that she had a pleasure at hosting FUEN TAG delegation in Gagauzia. Vlah informed the participants about the activities regarding the protection of Gagauzian language and culture as Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and told about their work related to nurseries providing education in Gagauzian and Moldavian languages. Vlah also provided information about their work for the development of Gagauzia and stated that there is a need for the economic investments for the development of the region. Vlah expressed that they want to increase the recognition of Gagauzia in the international arena and indicated that they would be pleased to have all FUEN TAG participant groups to undertake the role of being envoys in this field.

Host Gagauzia presented at FUEN TAG Annual Meeting

Irina Konstantinova, Director of M. Maruneviç Science and Research Center made a presentation which presented Gagauzia and Gagauz Turks on behalf of the host Gagauzia at FUEN TAG 5th Annual Meeting held at General Educational Directorate of Gagauzia.

EPSAYA which participated at the meeting for the first time presented Azerbaijan Talysh People

The Azerbaijan Youth Public Support Association “Education” (EPSAYA) representing the Talysh minority which participated at FUEN TAG meeting for the first time within the scope of “Recognize Your Sibling” made a presentation on Talysh people living in Lankeran, Astaran, Masallı and Lerik regions.

In the continuation of the meeting, Halit Habip Oğlu, Vice President of FUEN and on behalf of FUEN TAG Secretariat Melek Kırmacı Arık conveyed information about the visits paid by Vice President of FUEN within the scope of FUEN TAG activities last year and activities carried out by FUEN TAG. Afterwards, Western Thrace Turks, Rhodes-Kos Turks, Ahıska Turks, Karachay-Malkar Turks, Kosovo Turks, Bulgarian Turks, Macedonian Turks and Ukrainian Gagauzians informed about the developments last year and articulated their current problems they have experienced.

Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities presented their activities at FUEN TAG

Representative of Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Recep Paçaman, Advisor to the President of YTB, who participated at the meeting on behalf of Abdullah Eren, YTB President made a presentation on the activities carried out by YTB for Turkish citizens in abroad, sibling communities and international students having education in Turkey with scholarship. Advisor Paçaman, addressed the questions of the participants about the cooperation between civil society organizations and YTB, and works and projects that could be achieved with the support of YTB.

2019 road map has been formed with opinions and recommendations made by participants

At the meeting in which FUEN TAG’s 2019 activities were discussed, the road map for 2019 was identified through discussions with participating organizations.

With the aim to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation with institutions and organizations representing homeland Republic of Turkey, FUEN TAG 2019 meeting will be held in Ankara, the capital of homeland.

FUEN TAG 4th Annual Meeting Executed in İzmir

4th Annual Meeting of the Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities(TAG) within the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) was held on 24-27 October 2017 hosted by FUEN member Rhodes, Kos and Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association (ROISDER). Laszlo Bodor, Director of the Campaign of “Minority SafePack Initiative (MSPI)” also participated at the meeting in leadership Halit Habip Oğlu, FUEN Vice-President.

Macedonian Turks and Gagauz Turks participated at the meeting for the first time

At the meeting where thirteen organizations from nine different countries of Europe participated, representing Western Thrace Turkish Minority Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), Friendship Equality and Peace (FEP) Party and Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (WTMUGA); representing Ahiska Turks International Society of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” and “Vatan" Public Union of Ahiska Turks living in Azerbaijan; representing Karachay-Balkar Turks, Bars El: Social Organization for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions, representing Crimean Tatars Crimean Tatar Community on behalf of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people attended the meeting. In addition, the Kosovo Youth Union and the Kardzhali Turkish Culture and Art Association from Bulgaria which yet are not members of FUEN however attended FUEN TAG meetings in the past and Moscow Qumuq Organization “Qumuqlar" from Moscow which was also present this year. And, representing Turks in Macedonia “Yeni Yol” Culture and Fine Arts Association and representing Ukrainian Gagauz people, Ukrainian Gagauz Union participated at the meeting for the first time.

During the cultural programme executed and hosted by ROİSDER delegation met with the Mayor of T.R Karşıyaka Municipality

Within the framework of the cultural programme and visit on 25 October 2017, a historical and cultural tour was realized with contribution of T.R. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. In the afternoon delegation of FUEN TAG visited Mayor of T.R. Karşıyaka Municipality Hüseyin Mutlu Akpınar in his office. At the Mayor’s Office while FUEN Vice-President, Halit Habip Oglu presented FUEN TAG, members of the delegation introduced themselves and had the opportunity to convey their problems. During the dinner organized with contributions of T.R. Karşıyaka Municipality and ROİSDER the delegation met with the municipal administrators.

MSPI Campaign Director Laszlo Bodor explained the campaign that has the potential to change the destiny of the minorities in Europe

The welcoming speech of FUEN TAG 4th Annual Meeting held on 26 October 2017 was made by FUEN Vice-President Halit Habip Oğlu. Afterwards Campaign Coordinator Laszlo Bodor made a presentation regarding the European Citizens Initiative “Minority SafePack Initiative (MSPI)” that was launched by FUEN to form a protection mechanism for national minorities in Europe-wide and strengthen religious and cultural diversity in Europe. Bodor also provided significant hints about the campaign strategy and management to be followed in case the campaign is conducted in Greece and Bulgaria.

The host ROİSDER conveyed the problems of Rhodes and Kos Turks

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kaymakçı President of ROİSDER, the host for the meeting in İzmir, made a presentation on the problems of Turks living on the island about citizenship, education and learning Turkish, religion and prayer, foundations and cultural heritage left from the Ottomans. Kaymakçı, asked that Rhodes-Kos Turks who are forgotten Turks of Aegean should be protected.

The participants shared the recent developments regarding Turkish minorities/communities within the last one year in their countries

In continuation of the meeting Halit Habip Oğlu, and on behalf of FUEN TAG Secretariat Melek Kırmacı provided information about the visits paid by the FUEN Vice-President within the last one year in the framework of FUEN TAG studies and the works carried out by FUEN TAG. Afterwards Western Thrace Turks, Ahıska Turks, Crimean Tatars, Karachay-Balkar Turks, Qumuqs, Kosovo Turks and Bulgarian Turks articulated the developments and the current problems they experienced within their own communities in the last one year.

Macedonian Turks and Gagauz Turks conveyed information about works of their communities and associations

Macedonian and Gagauz Turks who attended the FUEN TAG meeting for the first time within the scope of the motto “Know your sibling” introduced their communities. Şeval Nuredin, Secretary General of “Yeni Yol” Culture and Fine Arts Association, the oldest association of Macedonia established in 1947, made a presentation on the history of Macedonia and position and problems of Turks in Macedonia today. And secondly Vasiliy Kelioğlu, President of Ukrainian Gagauz Union made a presentation on the history of Gagauz Turks and lives and problems of Gagauz today living in Ukraine.

2018 road map was developed with the views and recommendations of the participants

At the meeting where FUEN TAG 2013-2017 activity report was presented and media-promotion works including FUEN TAG brochures were promoted, international activities of FUEN TAG executed in 2017 were discussed. A joint road map was identified through discussion of 2018 activities with the participating organizations.

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FUEN Turkish Minorities / Communities Working Group 3rd Meeting was held in Berlin

The Third Meeting of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) Turkish Minorities / Communities Working Group (TAG) was held on 14-17 November 2016 in Berlin, the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. FUEN President Lorant Vincze attended to the meeting which was held in the Federal German Interior Ministry Work Building with logistical support of the FUEN Working Group of German Minorities (AGDM).

Turks in Kosovo and Bulgaria attended to the meeting for the first time

The meeting collected Turkish miniorities from different countries of Europe. Representing the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), The Friendship Equality Peace (DEB) Party and Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (BTAYTD), representing the Ahıska Turks, Meskhetian Turks Association of "VATAN" and "VATAN" Public Union of Ahiska Turks Living in Azerbaijan, "Bars El" for strengthening and developing Karachay-Balkar traditions on behalf of Karachay-Balkar Turks, Crimean Tatar National Assembly representing Crimean Tatars, representing Crimean Karaims the Crimean Karaims Union joined to the annual 3rd meeting. In addition, the Kosovo Young Association of Kosovo and the Kardzhali Turkish Culture and Art Association from Bulgaria attended to the meeting for the first time to represent Turkish minorities in the Balkans.

FUEN President Lorant Vincze listened to the problems of Turkish minorities/communities and pledge to support as FUEN

FUEN Vice President Halit Habip Oglu makes an opening speech in the beginnig of FUEN TAG 3rd Annual Meeting. Then, FUEN President Lorant Vincze informed participants about the work of FUEN and said that FUEN will continue to support Turkish minorities and communities. The representatives of the FUEN TAG member institutions thank to the support given by FUEN and they were able to transfer the problems they encountered in their countries directly to the President of FUEN and voiced the prospects of FUEN prospectively.

In addition, FUEN Berlin Office / FUEN AGDM Coordination Officer Eva Adel Penzes participated in the meeting and presented the work of FUEN AGDM.

Participants shared the right to learn mother language and the problems they have with the mother language

In the first session participants of the organizations made a presentations about their activities in their minorities / communities which was held last year. Cengiz Kovac, President of the Kosovo Young Alliance Association and Seyhan Hilmi Mehmet, Vice-President of the Kardzhali Turkish Culture and Art Association from Bulgaria who is not yet a member of the FUEN, attended in a meeting. They introduced the Turks in the historical framework in Kosovo and Bulgaria and they convey the problems they face in the countries they live in.

In the session titled " Right to learn Native language and Education in Native language", Mevlüt Işık, Press Counsel of "VATAN" Public Union of Ahiska Turks Living in Azerbaijan, Mehmet Mehmet , Secretary General of BTAYTD and Elvin Kadyrov from the Crimean Tatar National Assembly made presentations on education in the mother language. Participants shared the right to learn native languages and education in the mother tongue in the countries where they live in and shared their activities with the civil society representatives on the protection of the mother language and the education on the mother language.

FUEN TAG Regulation has been accepted with voting coalition

FUEN Vice-President Halit Habip oglu made a presentation about regulation changes and workgroup regulations in the 2015 Congress of FUEN. Following the presentation, the regulations issued by FUEN were read individually and presented to the participants for approval. As a result of the evaluations made, FUEN TAG regulation was unanimously accepted. The meeting was ended after the participants' opinions and proposals about the activities of the year of 2017 and the road map were discussed.

Program

II. Annual Meeting of FUEN TAG took place in Baku

II. Annual meeting of the Working Group of Turkic Minorities (TAG) of Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) took place in Baku/Azerbaijan during 9-12 November 2015. The meeting was hosted by the Association of Meskhetian Turks in Azerbaijan VATAN. The first meeting of FUEN TAG, which was established in 2013, was organized in Ankara in 2014.

The following associations that are the members of FUEN TAG attended the meeting in Baku; ABTTF, Friendship, Equality, Peace (FEP) Party, Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association, Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association, International Society of Meskhetian Turks "Vatan”, Association of Meskhetian Turks in Azerbaijan "Vatan”, Bars El: Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and Association of Crimean Karaites "Krymkarailar”. Besides, non-member Association of Kumuk Turks who represents the Kumuk Turks in Russian Federation also participated to the meeting.

The FUEN TAG delegation had the chance to visit several historical and cultural venues on the first day. After paying a visit to the grave of Azerbaijan’s Previous President Haydar Aliyev, the delegation met Prof. Dr. Kamil Güneş who is the Religious Affairs Director at the Turkish Embassy in Baku. The group then toured around Şirvanşahlar Palace and then came together with HE Kamal Abdullayev, the Azerbaijani State Counsellor of Multiculturalism, Inter-ethnic and Religious Affairs. FUEN Vice-President Halit Habip Oğlu shortly informed him about the works of FUEN and FUEN TAG.

During the roundtable meeting on 11 November 2015, FUEN Vice-President Halit Habip Oğlu performed a presentation on the works carried out by FUEN TAG during the previous year. Following his speech, all participating minorities/communities took the floor and gave information about the developments during last year regarding their communities. Having attended for the first time to the meeting, Mr Ramazan Alpaut who is the President of Association of Kumuk Turks introduced the history and culture of Kumuk Turks in general together with other Turkic communities in the Russian territory.

The President of the hosting organisation, Association of Meskhetian Turks in Azerbaijan "Vatan”, Mr İbrahim Ziyaoğlu raised the issue of the long-lasting problem of repatriation of Meskhetian Turks to Georgia in the second part of the meeting and emphasised that the works of FUEN TAG on international arena had been of great importance. In this session, all representatives expressed their expectations from FUEN and gave their opinions on collaboration possibilities. The issue of how to strengthen the solidarity amongst the members of FUEN TAG was discussed and accordingly, strategies have been formulated for 2016.

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FUEN Working Group of the Turkic Minorities met for the first time during the founding event in Ankara

The first annual meeting of the Working Group of the Turkic Minorities under the umbrella of FUEN took place from 20 until 23 November in Ankara, Turkey. FUEN President Hans Heinrich Hansen and FUEN Vice-President Halit Habip Oğlu honoured the meeting with their presence.

The event, which brought together ten presidents or other high-level representatives from the FUEN member organisations that represent the Turkic minority groups in Europe, began with visits to historical and cultural places in Ankara and was followed by a visit to Ambassador Ali Naci Koru, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. This first annual meeting is seen as a milestone for the Turkic minorities in Europe as they, for the first time, had the chance to come together and get aware of their problems/demands in the same platform.

The participating Turkic minority organisations were the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) from Germany; the Friendship, Equality and Peace Party (DEB) and the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (BTAYTD) from Greece; the Rhodes, Kos and the Dodecanese Turks Culture and Solidarity Association from Turkey; the International Society of Meshketian Turks “VATAN” and the Social Organisation for Fostering and Development of the Karachay-Balkar Traditions “Bars El” from Russia; the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and the Association of Crimean Karaites from Ukraine and the Association of Meskhetian Turks “VATAN” from Azerbaijan.

The Working Group of the Turkic Minorities forms the third subgroup under the umbrella of FUEN after the Working Groups of the German and Slavic Minorities that were established much earlier already. For the time being, the Working Group of the Turkic Minorities is planning to meet once a year and the venue for the next event in 2015 will be decided later.

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