Our Work in Turkey

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation's Turkey office promotes the principles of a free and open society through seminars, workshops, publications, and partnerships with local organizations. Our programming addresses key challenges facing liberal democracy in the region.

• Liberal political education
• Policy dialogue & research
• Youth leadership development
• Rule of law & civil liberties
• Refugee integration
• LGBTI inclusion

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty has maintained a sustained commitment to Turkey, where its office advances the principles of liberal democracy through political education and policy engagement. Drawing on a rich tradition of classical liberal thought, the foundation works to promote individual freedom, the rule of law, and a market economy grounded in fair competition. Its programming brings together civil society actors, academics, journalists, and young leaders to discuss the challenges facing democratic governance in the country. Through seminars, workshops, and publications, the foundation creates spaces for open dialogue on topics ranging from human rights to economic reform, always with an eye toward strengthening the institutions that underpin a free and open society.

A central pillar of the foundation's work in Turkey involves defending civil liberties and the rule of law. In an environment where these principles often face pressure, the foundation supports initiatives that protect freedom of expression, association, and belief. It partners with local organizations that monitor legal developments, advocate for judicial independence, and promote secular governance as a prerequisite for equal citizenship. Programs addressing discrimination and hate speech are particularly important, as they aim to foster a more inclusive public sphere. By engaging with lawmakers, civil society, and the legal community, the foundation helps sustain a policy environment where individual rights are respected and the state operates within constitutional limits.

Youth leadership development represents another key focus for the foundation in Turkey. Recognizing that young people are essential drivers of social and political change, the foundation runs training programs that equip emerging leaders with the tools of liberal advocacy and civic engagement. These initiatives cover topics such as democratic participation, media literacy, and the economics of open markets. Participants gain practical experience in project management, public speaking, and coalition-building, preparing them to take active roles in their communities. The foundation also facilitates exchanges and networking opportunities that connect Turkish youth with peers across Europe and the broader region, fostering cross-border learning and solidarity around shared liberal values.

Policy dialogue and research form an integral part of the foundation's contribution to Turkey's democratic development. By convening roundtables, conferences, and expert meetings, the foundation brings together diverse stakeholders to debate pressing issues such as refugee integration, energy sector reform, and the future of Turkey-European Union relations. Its publications and policy papers offer liberal perspectives on complex challenges, contributing evidence-based analysis to public discourse. The foundation also collaborates with universities and think tanks to support theoretical discussions on liberalism and its application to Turkish society. These efforts help ensure that liberal ideas remain relevant and actionable, providing constructive input into the country's ongoing political and economic transformation.

Recent Activities

The Turkey office has organized and supported a wide range of events, including the VII Liberal Youth Congress, the "Foundations of Free Society" seminar in Trabzon, and consultation meetings on Syrian refugee integration into civic life. The Foundation also contributed to the Boris Nemtsov Prize ceremony and published the opinion poll Void of Liberalism: A View on Liberal Values in Turkey.

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