The Launch of the 15th Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Programme witnessed colourful moments with the participation of Mayor Turan and the excitement of

With the participation of Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality, the Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Programme, which is entering its 15th year, is bringing new life to the historical fabric of Suriçi with 400 young ambassadors, expressed in the words of Mayor Turan, ‘There is a youthful energy in Fatih again this summer.’

The Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors Programme, which has been carried out by Fatih Municipality in cooperation with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) and Tourism Development and Education Foundation (TUGEV) since 2009, continues with the same enthusiasm in its 15th year. The new term launch of the programme was held with the participation of Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality. Mr. Cafer Sarılı, District Governor of Fatih and Mr. Hüseyin Keskin, Istanbul Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism also attended the launch.

In his speech at the ceremony, Mr. Turan, the Mayor emphasised that they trusted, this year as well, the energy of the youth in Fatih district, which is the cultural and civilisation memory of Istanbul. "There is a youthful energy in Fatih again this summer. From Hagia Sophia to Sultanahmet, from Beyazit to Eminönü, 400 young volunteers are on duty in all the historical veins of Suriçi," said Mayor Turan, adding that the volunteer ambassadors reflect the hospitality of Istanbul by helping tourists in 11 different languages. Mr. Turan, the Mayor also thanked Şekib Avdagiç, President of ICOC and TUGEV, for his support in this uninterrupted work for 15 years and said, ‘I wish our young people every success and hope for a productive tourism season.’

The programme not only provides a guide service, but also creates a sense of social responsibility, social contribution and cultural interaction for young people. In addition to facilitating tourists' travels, providing guidance and information, volunteers also contribute to their personal development by communicating with people from different geographies. The young people, each wearing ‘Ask Me’ T-shirts, volunteer to recognise and promote the city they live in.

A total of 1600 applications were received for the 2024 summer term. As a result of written and oral interviews, a total of 550 young people, including 400 main candidates and 150 reserves, were accepted into the programme. These young people between the ages of 15-30 are working in the busiest visitor areas of Istanbul such as Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia Square, Basilica Cistern, Divanyolu Street, Grand Bazaar and Eminönü. They volunteer as guides for tourists in 11 different languages such as English, German, Spanish, French, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian and Russian.

At the end of the programme, young people receive a certificate of participation. This document records not only their volunteering activities but also their experiences in international communication and cultural service. This process, which contributes to the individual development of young people, is reflected in their CVs as a qualified social contribution.

This programme, which is part of Fatih Municipality's goal of protecting and promoting cultural heritage, has been going on for 15 years with unchanging dedication. Volunteer Tourism Ambassadors are a living bridge that conveys Istanbul's historical identity not only to tourists but also to younger generations. Each young person on this bridge conveys not only knowledge but also love and responsibility for Istanbul.

Fatih shows once again that a city lives not only through its buildings, but also through the people who describe it, share it, and serve it wholeheartedly. And this summer Suriçi will again welcome its guests with the voices, knowledge and smiles of young people.