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.
MUNICH AT THE HEART OF FRIENDSHIP
Turkish-German relations are not limited to politics and economy alone. Human ties, cultural interaction, and mutual understanding between the two societies also hold great importance.
Established in 2001, the Deutsch-Türkische Freundschaftsföderation (DTF) e.V. brings Turkish-German friendship associations together under one roof. The federation's headquarters are in Munich.
DTF President Cihan Sendan is carrying out efforts to further strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two societies.
GOAL: STRONGER COOPERATION IN EUROPE
Cihan Sendan stated that they are re-strengthening their organizational efforts in Germany and Turkey, adding that their goal is to develop new projects across Europe.
Sendan said, “We are continuing our restructuring efforts in Germany's major states and in Turkey. Together with European Union projects, we aim to implement serious, comprehensive, and inclusive projects across Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, in 2027.”
Sendan stated that efforts for Turkish-German friendship will be elevated to a European level, and that they will develop new collaborations and joint projects.
NEW ERA WITH BAVARIA
DTF is expected to hold more comprehensive discussions with institutions and organizations in Bavaria in the coming period.
Discussions are planned between Bavaria and DTF to develop new collaborations and implement joint projects.
These efforts aim to give new momentum to the dialogue between Turkish and German societies.
GOAL: STRONGER DIALOGUE
At the heart of DTF's work are intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and social peace.
The federation aims for Turkish and German societies to get to know each other better through conferences, seminars, educational programs, and cultural events.
Democracy, human rights, equality, and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures are also among the core values the federation prioritizes.
CIHAN SENDAN: COMMITMENT TO FRIENDSHIP
Cihan Sendan, born in Tarsus and raised in Istanbul, has been living in Munich since 1991.
Sendan, who has taken an active role in civil society work since a young age, continues his efforts to develop Turkish-German relations.
HONORARY PATRONAGE FROM MARCUS KÖNIG TO DTF
Nuremberg Metropolitan Mayor Marcus König also 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 societies.
DTF advocates for an open and democratic understanding of society. It supports social participation and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures.
KYBELE AWARDS CROWN FRIENDSHIP
One of DTF's prominent initiatives is the Kybele Awards.
The awards, presented since 2001, honor individuals and institutions that have contributed to Turkish-German friendship and relations between the two societies.
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 presented to Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder in 2024 was also an important indicator of the significance given to Turkish-German relations.
STRONG JURY, BROAD SCOPE
In the evaluation process of the Kybele Awards, not only the short-term achievements of candidates are considered, but also their long-term and lasting contributions.
According to the organizational chart announced by DTF, the Kybele General Jury is chaired by former Munich Metropolitan Mayor Christian Ude.
In the politics category, former Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Günther Beckstein; in the culture category, Claudia Roth; in the economy category, Thomas Bösl; and in the sports category, Dr. Rainer Koch assume the jury chairmanship roles.
The inclusion of experienced individuals from various fields in the jury structure demonstrates the broad scope of the awards.
FRIENDSHIP NETWORK EXTENDING FROM GERMANY TO TURKEY
DTF's activities are not limited to Munich.
The federation has structures and representations in various cities across Germany and Turkey.
Sendan states that this structure will be further strengthened in the coming period.
The aim is to create a stronger communication network between Turkish and German societies.
DIFFERENCES SHOULD NOT DIVIDE
Mutual respect and understanding stand out in Cihan Sendan's work.
Emphasizing that different cultures should be an opportunity to get to know and understand each other, rather than a reason for division, Sendan aims to carry Turkish-German friendship to future generations.
NEW PROJECTS, NEW BRIDGES
DTF is expected to place greater emphasis on European Union projects in the coming period.
Especially for 2027, comprehensive projects are planned to be implemented in various European countries, primarily Germany and Austria.
New discussions between Bavaria and DTF are also expected to contribute to this process.
Cihan Sendan's goal is clear:
Stronger dialogue. More cooperation. More lasting friendship.
The Munich-based DTF continues its efforts to strengthen friendship, solidarity, and cultural dialogue between Turkish and German societies.
Tevfik ŞENDÖL/MUNICH
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