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A Bridge from Youth to the World: 15th Edition of the Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Program Begins!

The Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Program, carried out for 15 years in cooperation with Fatih Municipality, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and TUGEV, has officially begun. This year, 400 young volunteers are guiding tourists in Istanbul’s historic peninsula in 11 different languages—promoting the city and contributing to intercultural dialogue.

2 July 2025
A Bridge from Youth to the World: 15th Edition of the Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Program Begins!

Led by Fatih Municipality in partnership with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) and the Tourism Development and Education Foundation (TUGEV), the program once again brings life to the streets of Istanbul through the voluntary energy of young people. Initiated in Fatih, the cultural and historical capital of Türkiye, the project transforms youth dynamism into community service each year.

Out of 1,600 applicants, 400 main and 150 alternate participants—aged between 15 and 30—qualified through rigorous written and oral evaluations. These volunteers are providing free guiding services in key areas such as Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Divanyolu, the Grand Bazaar, and Eminönü. The ambassadors contribute directly to Istanbul’s multilingual and multicultural identity by offering support in 11 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

Wearing t-shirts that read “Ask Me / Bana Sor,” the ambassadors assist visitors with directions, historical facts, and more. This interaction goes beyond simple guidance—forming a meaningful social communication network based on mutual understanding, hospitality, and the sharing of knowledge.

The program not only enhances visitors’ experiences but also offers young volunteers an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover themselves. Participants have the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills, contribute to society, and enhance their ability to express themselves by coming into direct contact with different cultures. In addition, young people who gain international communication skills will have a strong credentials for their future academic and professional lives.

The first day of the program began at 10:00 a.m. The ambassadors dispersed to their assigned areas and remained active in the field throughout the day. Lunch, scheduled for 12:00–14:00, was held in two groups on a rotating basis. After their lunch break, the volunteers returned to their posts and continued to assist tourists until 6 p.m.

This comprehensive program, run by Fatih Municipality, is not only a celebration of volunteerism but also an example of strategic cultural diplomacy. The growing number of applicants and the expanding variety of languages each year reflect the program’s strong appeal among youth. Fuelled by young energy, this volunteer network creates lasting impressions for both Istanbul’s visitors and its own residents.

At the end of the program, all participants will receive certificates of participation. These documents will serve as official recognition of their voluntary efforts and as tangible evidence of their dedication to social responsibility and cultural representation.

This summer, the Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors will once again animate the streets of Fatih with history, direction, and dialogue. They are not merely guiding tourists—they are representing Istanbul’s layered cultural heritage with a youthful spirit. Now in its 15th year, these young ambassadors continue to build a bridge where languages, cultures, and stories converge.

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