Cihan Sendan, President of the Munich-based Turkish-German Friendship Federation (DTF) e.V., continues his efforts to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Germany. Sendan announced that they aim to implement more comprehensive projects across Europe in 2027.

Established in 2001, the Deutsch-Türkische Freundschaftsföderation (DTF) e.V. brings together Turkish-German friendship associations under one roof. The federation's headquarters are in Munich. DTF supports intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and social peace. It aims for the two communities to get to know each other better through conferences, seminars, training programs, and cultural events. Democracy, human rights, equality, and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures are also among the federation's core values.

Cihan Sendan stated that they have re-strengthened their organizational efforts in Germany and Turkey. Sendan said their goal is to develop new projects across Europe. "We are continuing our restructuring efforts in Germany's major states and in Turkey. With European Union projects, we aim to implement serious, comprehensive, and inclusive projects across Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, in 2027," he said. Sendan added that efforts for Turkish-German friendship would be elevated to a European level, and they would develop new collaborations and joint projects.

Cihan Sendan: European Goal for Turkish-German Friendship

DTF is expected to hold more comprehensive discussions with institutions and organizations in Bavaria in the coming period. These discussions are aimed at giving new momentum to the dialogue between the Turkish and German communities.

Cihan Sendan, born in Tarsus and raised in Istanbul, has been living in Munich since 1991. Active in civil society work from a young age, Sendan continues his efforts to develop Turkish-German relations. Emphasizing that different cultures should be an opportunity for mutual recognition and understanding, not a reason for division, Sendan aims to carry Turkish-German friendship to future generations.

Nuremberg Mayor Marcus König supports DTF's social and cultural activities with his honorary patronage. The work carried out under König's patronage aims to contribute to strengthening the dialogue between Turkish and German communities. DTF advocates for an open and democratic societal understanding that supports social participation and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures.

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One of DTF's prominent initiatives is the Kybele Awards. Presented since 2001, these awards honor individuals and institutions that contribute to Turkish-German friendship and relations between the two communities. The awards are given in various categories such as politics, culture, economy, sports, education and science, media, and successful municipal work. There is also an Honorary Award category for individuals with outstanding special contributions. The Kybele Award given to Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder in 2024 was also an important indicator of the significance placed on Turkish-German relations.

In the evaluation process for the Kybele Awards, not only candidates' short-term achievements but also their long-term and lasting contributions are considered. According to the organizational chart announced by DTF, the Kybele General Jury is chaired by former Munich Mayor Christian Ude. Former Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Günther Beckstein chairs the politics category, Claudia Roth the culture category, Thomas Bösl the economy category, and Dr. Rainer Koch the sports category. The inclusion of experienced individuals from various fields in the jury structure highlights the broad scope of the awards.

DTF's activities are not limited to Munich. The federation has structures and representations in different cities across Germany and various cities in Turkey. Sendan states that this structure will be further strengthened in the coming period. The goal is to create a stronger communication network between the Turkish and German communities.

Cihan Sendan's goal is clear: stronger dialogue, more cooperation, and more lasting friendship.