Western Thracian youth gather at the 3rd Balkan Youth Meeting Summer Camp in Edirne
The 3rd Balkan Youth Meeting Summer Camp took place in Edirne from July 29 to August 2, 2025, bringing together young participants from across the Balkan region. The event, organized by the Edirne Governorship’s Balkan Cities Cooperation Edirne Platform, saw a significant turnout from Western Thracian youth.
Young people from various organizations in Western Thrace—including the İskeçe Turkish Union, the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association’s Miracle Theatre Team, the İskeçe Mufti’s Office Youth Department, the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Association’s New Generation Branch, the Gümülcine Mufti’s Office, and BİHLİMDER—joined the camp as a unified group.
Opening Ceremony and First Day Activities
The camp opened with speeches by Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer and Hasibe Elif Osman, who spoke on behalf of the students. Following the ceremony, participants toured an exhibition titled “Reflections from the Selimiye Mosque,” prepared by the Edirne Institute of Maturity. The first day concluded with a group photo and various sports activities held in the Musabeyli Grove camp area.
Cultural and Social Activities
Throughout the program, students from Balkan countries performed traditional folk dances. On Tuesday, participants enjoyed a day at the Gökçetepe Nature Park near Keşan, Edirne, where they experienced the sea and nature.
Academic and Sports Programs
On Wednesday, the youth attended hands-on physics, chemistry, and biology lessons in local laboratories. The afternoon featured basketball, volleyball, robotics workshops, and painting activities at the Edirne New Sports Hall. The day ended with a presentation on Balkan history.
Cultural Tours
Thursday was dedicated to exploring Edirne’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Guided tours took participants to landmarks including Selimiye Mosque, the Old Mosque, Üç Şerefeli Mosque, Ali Pasha Bazaar, Bayezid II Complex, Hıdırlık Bastion, and the Historic Train Station.
Istanbul Visit and Closing
On the final day, Friday, the group traveled to Istanbul. They visited Hagia Sophia and Vialand Theme Park and ended the day with a scenic Bosphorus cruise departing from Üsküdar, marking the conclusion of the camp.
This meaningful event aimed to strengthen cultural ties among Balkan youth, remind them of their shared historical heritage, and build lasting bridges of friendship.
