Foundation logo mark in deep navy blue on a light background
Friedrich Naumann Foundation For Liberty — Turkey Office
Contact Us
A wide atmospheric photograph of Istanbul's skyline at dusk, with the Bosphorus waterway reflecting soft amber and pale blue light, conveying openness and a sense of civic dialogue

Advancing Liberal Democracy in Turkey

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty works to promote free society principles, policy dialogue, and liberal political education across Turkey and beyond.

About the Foundation

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) is a German political foundation committed to the principles of liberalism. Its Turkey office, based in Istanbul, engages in political education, policy research, and dialogue on topics ranging from rule of law and refugee integration to LGBTI inclusion and youth participation.

Through seminars, workshops, publications, and international cooperation, FNF Turkey supports liberal thought and democratic development in the region.

Learn More

How We Can Help

FNF Turkey offers a range of programmes and resources for students, researchers, and partners committed to liberal values.

Extreme close-up photograph of textured cream paper with subtle fibrous grain, soft ivory tones, and a warm matte surface

Policy Research

In-depth studies and publications on liberal values, rule of law, and civic freedoms in Turkey.

Extreme close-up photograph of smooth navy-blue fabric weave with fine diagonal threads catching faint light

Internship Opportunities

Hands-on experience for students and young professionals in policy research and project management.

Extreme close-up photograph of uncoated kraft paper with visible natural fibers, warm brown and beige tones

Scholarship Programmes

Support for students pursuing studies related to liberal democracy, both in Turkey and internationally.

A soft-focus photograph of a sunlit conference room with large windows, pale blue walls, and wooden tables, conveying thoughtful discussion

Our Model

STAGE 1

Political Education

Seminars and workshops such as “Foundations of Free Society” held across Turkey, including a recent session in Trabzon.

STAGE 2

Policy Dialogue

Panels and consultation meetings on topics like refugee integration, sustainable cities, and civil liberties monitoring.

STAGE 3

International Cooperation

Partnerships with liberal organisations worldwide, including the Boris Nemtsov Prize and Liberal Youth Congress.

News & Events

Extreme close-up photograph of textured linen fabric in soft sky-blue, with visible weave and gentle highlights
“The VII Liberal Youth Congress, organized with FNF support, brought together young liberals from across Turkey to discuss the future of democratic participation.”
— VII Liberal Youth Congress, October 22

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty brings together citizens, activists, and thinkers who share a commitment to liberal values. Through its presence in Turkey, the foundation fosters open debate on the rule of law, individual freedom, and the market economy as prerequisites for a fair and prosperous society. Its work emphasizes that a free society can only thrive when democratic institutions are strong, human rights are protected, and citizens are empowered to take part in shaping their own future.

Political education lies at the heart of the foundation's activities across Turkey. By organizing seminars, panel discussions, and theoretical workshops, the office creates spaces where participants can explore liberal ideas and their practical applications. These gatherings bring together academics, civil society representatives, and politically engaged individuals to discuss topics such as secularism, religious freedom, and the role of democratic institutions in a rapidly changing world.

Combating discriminatory discourse and promoting inclusive dialogue are central concerns of the foundation's work. In cooperation with partner organizations, the office addresses issues affecting marginalized communities, including LGBTI rights and refugee integration. By facilitating conversations that bridge different perspectives, the foundation contributes to a public culture where diversity is respected and every individual can participate fully in social and political life.

The foundation's commitment to liberal thinking extends beyond Turkey's borders through regional cooperation and international exchange. Working closely with partners in Greece, across Europe, and in the wider neighborhood, the office supports cross-border dialogue on shared challenges. Conferences and gatherings that bring together participants from different countries help build lasting ties between liberal-minded individuals and organizations striving for open societies.

Capacity building for civil society and political actors forms a significant part of the foundation's ongoing efforts. Training programs, internships, and educational resources equip young liberals, party members, and civic activists with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for freedom and democracy. By investing in human capital, the foundation aims to strengthen the long-term foundations of liberal politics and citizen participation.

Publications, research, and policy analysis complement the foundation's educational activities by offering deeper insights into contemporary political and economic questions. Working with academics and experts, the office produces materials that examine topics such as energy sector reform, European integration, and the theoretical underpinnings of liberalism. These resources serve as valuable references for anyone seeking to understand and advance free society principles in Turkey and beyond.