A message by the President of the Özbek Türkleri ORAS
"A bridge of love and communication between the heart of Asia and the soul of Anatolia"
Dear brothers and sisters, esteemed members of the Uzbek community in Turkey,
With feelings of pride and responsibility, and with hearts filled with love for our motherlands, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, and loyalty to our host country, Turkey, I stand before you today to share with you the ambitious vision and noble mission upon which our association was founded. Our presence here is not merely a matter of residence or livelihood, but a living embodiment of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that unite our two brotherly peoples.
Our shared history spans centuries, during which Anatolia and Central Asia were the beating hearts of a single civilization, sharing language, customs, and values. From this perspective, the Association is not just an administrative entity, but your second home and a safe bridge connecting you to your roots and supporting your positive and fruitful integration into the fabric of hospitable Turkish society.
Vision and Goals: A Roadmap to Serve You
Our vision is based on a principle that is both simple and profound: to be the driving force and protective umbrella that ensures that the Afghan community of Uzbek origin in Turkey can live with dignity and be an active and productive part of overall development. To achieve this vision, we have set the following strategic objectives:
Promoting social and cultural cohesion:
1. Establish cultural centers for teaching languages, computers, and cultures while preserving our rich heritage among younger generations.
Organizing events and festivals that celebrate our holidays, national symbols, and authentic Uzbek cuisine, to introduce our culture to our Turkish brothers and sisters and enrich cultural diversity in Turkey.
Providing spaces for community members, especially newcomers, to connect and get to know each other, helping them overcome the challenges of being far from home.
2. Legal and social support:
Providing legal and procedural advice on residency, citizenship, and business establishment, ensuring the rights of the community and preventing them from encountering administrative problems.
Establishment of a solidarity fund to assist in humanitarian emergencies, such as illness, loss of employment, or natural disasters.
1. Providing guidance programs specifically for women and families to ensure the stability of Uzbek families in Turkey.
3. Educational and professional development:
Organizing intensive and effective Turkish language courses, as they are key to integration and success.
Establish vocational training programs in partnership with international and Turkish institutions to prepare Uzbek youth for the job market in line with their qualifications.
Facilitating the process of academic credential recognition and providing support to Uzbek students at Turkish universities.
4. Building diplomatic and popular bridges:
Acting as an effective channel of communication with embassies and consulates in Turkey to convey issues affecting the community.
Strengthening cooperation with Turkish municipalities and government institutions to ensure that their services reach members of the community.
Partnering with Turkish and foreign civil society organizations to exchange experiences and expand the support network.
Call for joint action and responsibility
Dear members, the strength of the ORAS association comes from your strength and unity. Social action is not the sole responsibility of the president and the board of directors, but rather a shared responsibility. I invite you all to:
1. Active participation: Be part of our events and committees. Every idea and effort you contribute is invaluable.
2. Obey the law: Be good ambassadors for your home country. Your commitment to Turkish laws and respect for local customs is the best proof of your sincerity and sophistication.
3. Integration without assimilation: Be active citizens and contributors to Turkish society, while preserving your authentic Afghan Uzbek identity and language.
Turkey is a land of opportunity, a country with room for everyone thanks to its wise leadership and hospitable people. The ORAS Association is here to ensure that these opportunities are available to you and that your journey in this brotherly country is crowned with success and prosperity.
We will work together, hand in hand, to ensure that the name of the Uzbek community in Turkey is synonymous with excellence, discipline, and cultural contribution. May God bless our efforts and protect Uzbekistan and Turkey, our two brotherly countries.
With sincere appreciation and love
President of the Association: Abdul Bari Abdul Hadi
Özbek Türkleri ORAS Serving the Uzbek community in Turkey