Abdullah Eren a Western Thracian Turk appointed as president of TİKA
According to a presidential decree published in Türkiye’s Official Gazette, Abdullah Eren, a prominent figure of Western Thracian Turkish origin and the former head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), has been appointed as the new President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). He replaces Serkan Kayalar.
Who is Abdullah Eren?
Born in Istanbul in 1984, Eren earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology from Boğaziçi University and completed a master's degree in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Westminster in London. He is currently pursuing a PhD in political science.
Eren has held various senior roles in the private sector and public administration, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Advisor to the Prime Minister, followed by a position as Chief Advisor to the President of Türkiye. Since October 27, 2018, he had been leading YTB.
During his tenure at YTB, Eren spearheaded numerous initiatives for the approximately 7 million-strong Turkish diaspora abroad, as well as programs for international students studying in Türkiye—many of whom hail from former Ottoman territories and regions across the globe.
As a Western Thracian himself, Eren emphasized global outreach through projects that spanned Turkic states, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Africa, and Latin America. Under his leadership:
Around 900 projects were implemented in 75 countries targeting Turkish communities and related groups.
Over 350 educational programs were organized.
Cultural remembrance events were held, including for the Ahıska, Belene, Crimean Tatar, and Western Thracian tragedies.
More than 25,000 young people engaged in heritage and identity-strengthening programs.
Nearly 35,000 international students from the “friendly geography” received scholarships via the Türkiye Scholarships program.
Flagship events such as the International Student Awards, Student Sciences Congress, and Cultural Academies took place across 17 cities in Turkey.
The Turkey Alumni Network surpassed 150,000 members, hosting major initiatives like reunions, awards ceremonies, and digital platforms.
Over 1,000 projects supported Turkish NGOs abroad, while mother tongue and cultural education reached tens of thousands of Turkish children.
The Evliya Çelebi Youth Bridges program brought thousands of diaspora youth to explore Turkey’s heritage.
Innovative projects such as the Hate Crimes Monitoring Portal (NESAM), the Diaspora Short Film Festival, and the TurkTech initiative for Turkish scientists were also launched.
Eren has also been active in civil society, serving as a trustee of the Can Sağlığı Foundation and chairman of the Culture and Civilization Foundation.
He is married with two children and is fluent in English.
The Western Thracian Turkish community extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Abdullah Eren in his new role.
