Representatives of Gagauz and Çepni Communities Visit IMM Foreign Relations Department

11 February, 2026

Mr. Barbaros Büyüksağnak, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), met with Mr. Necdet Ertuğrul, President of the International Gagauz Turks Culture and Arts Research Center, and Mr. Muhammet Arif Genç, President of the Federation of Çepni Associations of Türkiye. Ms. Ergül Önder also attended the meeting.

The parties discussed ongoing efforts to promote Gagauz and Çepni culture, as well as potential areas of cooperation regarding the Nevruz celebrations planned in Istanbul on 21 March. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue coordination in the lead-up to the program.