Balkan youth gather in Edirne for summer camp
The 3rd Balkan Youth Meeting Summer Camp, organized by the Edirne Governorship's Balkan Cities Cooperation Edirne Platform, officially kicked off with an opening ceremony at Trakya University’s Balkan Congress Center.
Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s Directorate General of Relations with Civil Society, Ziraat Bank, and the Rumeli Academy Association for Education and Culture, the camp welcomes 352 students and 34 teachers from 11 Balkan countries for a week-long program in Edirne.
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer expressed his delight at hosting young people from the Balkans, emphasizing Edirne’s historical and cultural significance as a former Ottoman capital. “We are honored to welcome you in this ancient city, a crossroads of civilizations. We hope many of you will return here for your higher education,” Sezer said.
Highlighting global challenges, including conflict and poverty, Governor Sezer underlined the critical role of youth in building peace. “Where there is no peace, there is no healthy education or governance. The friendships you build here can contribute to a more peaceful and united Balkans.”
“The World Needs Peace”
Governor Sezer also pointed to the shared past of Edirne residents, many of whom are descendants of Balkan war migrants. He encouraged the participants to strengthen cross-border dialogue and cooperation.
AK Party Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal praised the camp as a platform for deepening friendships and contributing to peace in the Balkans and beyond. “We want the youth to return home with unforgettable memories and lasting bonds,” she said.
Deputy Mayor of Edirne Cenk Ergüden emphasized the symbolic value of the camp, calling it an opportunity to build new friendships rooted in shared history and values.
Trakya University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Hatipler said the initiative would help foster unity and brotherhood among Balkan students.
Student representatives from Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina also gave speeches during the ceremony, which concluded with traditional folk dance performances, the opening of the “Reflections from Selimiye Mosque” exhibition by the Edirne Institute of Maturation, and a group photo session.
Camp Program
Throughout the camp, participants will take part in trips to Istanbul, Keşan Gökçetepe, and Edirne, as well as sports events, concerts, and cultural talks. They will also have the opportunity to conduct science experiments at the Faculty of Education of Trakya University.
The summer camp will conclude on August 2, 2025.
