It is known that every student who studies at Kyrgyzstan–Türkiye Manas University has a dream at least once to go abroad. At Manas University, every year the Turkish World Municipalities Union (TDBB) makes this dream come true for five successful students. In 2025, we, as these lucky students, also had the opportunity to do an internship at TDBB in Istanbul. In this magnificent city, at the point where Europe meets Asia, we — from the Kyrgyzstan–Türkiye Manas University Business Department, Nuriza Muhtarbek kızı and Ayköl Belekova; from the Finance and Banking Department, Zamira Bayraktarova; from the Public Relations and Advertising Department, Aygerim Ganiyeva — met with an important organization symbolizing the cultural diversity and unity of the Turkic world: the Turkish World Municipalities Union (TDBB).
The internship we did at TDBB not only provided us with the opportunity to deepen our theoretical knowledge, but at the same time gave us the chance to gain an in-depth experience regarding the world of local governments.
The Turkish World Municipalities Union, leaving aside all differences, as a unifying force, succeeds in building a bridge between the Turkic peoples. Being a part of this structure, which works with more than 30 countries, spreads over such a wide geography, and contains different cultures, was for us an extremely impressive and instructive experience. The hospitality of TDBB attracted our attention from the first day. The elder brother who welcomed us at the airport after we got off the plane, the elder sisters who helped us in every matter, our teacher Dr. Fahri Solak, the Secretary General of TDBB, who always supported us, and the TDBB family became special people for us. The professional and warm environment of the institution ensured that we felt comfortable from the first day. TDBB covered all our expenses, including accommodation in the dormitory, meals, sightseeing programs, and even transportation.
The internship program carried out under the hosting of the Turkish World Municipalities Union was organized with the purpose of getting to know more closely the local government structure of Türkiye, to observe municipal activities on the spot, and to obtain practical knowledge about the functioning of different departments. Within the scope of this program, conducted between 7–31 July 2025, we visited five municipalities in Istanbul and one municipality in Bursa, examined the fields of activity of the relevant departments, and received information from expert personnel.
Güngören Municipality
The first municipality we visited, Güngören Municipality, we learned, offers a wide range of services and helps its people not only with basic municipal services, but also in many fields such as social services, cultural activities, educational opportunities, and sports activities. This was for us an extremely instructive and inspiring experience. The scope of the services offered by the municipality showed that the work goes far beyond the daily functioning; we realized that they work with an understanding that touches human life, beautifies it, and develops it.
Especially while observing the work in the field of social services, we better understood how important the projects carried out to raise the quality of life of people are. The social aid programs of the municipality, the support it provides for the elderly, the disabled, and low-income families were not only items of aid; each aid was aimed at making a person’s life easier and making them feel valuable.
In addition, while the municipality offers many programs to encourage the youth and all people to sports, beauty services and cultural activities aim not only at physical but also mental well-being. Moreover, we had the opportunity to visit the Student Station, the Güngören Academy, and the Hanımeli Mansion, and to observe the effect of these projects on the personal and professional development of the youth was for us quite valuable.
Bahçelievler Municipality
On the next day, we visited the comprehensive work carried out within the body of the Directorate of Culture and Social Affairs of Bahçelievler Municipality, which allowed us to get to know closely the social dimension of municipalism. One of the sections that impressed us the most during the visit was the “White Desk” unit, where people can apply with all kinds of problems and requests. Here, citizens can receive consultancy services and convey their wishes and complaints directly to the authorities. This practice constitutes a very valuable example in terms of strengthening communication between local government and the people.
Also, the presence of an employment unit in the municipality that brings together job-seeking citizens with employers was a strong reflection of the understanding of social responsibility. In addition to this, the consultancy center that provides guidance services to high school students regarding career choice revealed a planned and conscious approach towards the youth.
Right next to the municipality building, the barber salon that provides free service especially for disabled individuals was the most concrete example of social service in the field. Such practices bring to the forefront social inclusiveness and the understanding of equal service.
Finally, the contribution of Bahçelievler Municipality to social and cultural life with a large Cultural Center and Sports Complex should not be overlooked. The large meeting halls and wedding halls in the Cultural Center enable the public to participate in various events, while in the building of the sports complex, miniatures of all institutions and social facilities belonging to the municipality are displayed, and this symbolically reflects the diversity of municipal activities.
Ümraniye Municipality
One of the most remarkable municipalities for us was Ümraniye Municipality. Together with the presentation made regarding financial services, we had the chance to see closely how much importance the municipality attaches to transparency and accountability.
After the sharing of up-to-date statistics for the year 2024, we felt the effort behind the projects that were not only composed of numbers but touched the lives of real people. As we learned how the units such as Social Aid Payments, Veterinary Services, and Municipal Police Services work, we understood better how comprehensive and meticulous an area municipalism is. Seeing on the spot the working principles of these units and how the projects are reflected in the field presented us with the practical counterpart of the information we had learned in theory. The warm welcome in the offices, the employees sparing time for us and giving detailed information, and being toured in a golf car made us feel valuable.
And one of the nicest surprises was the importance that Ümraniye Municipality gives to the youth and education. This approach, which made us interns not only listeners but also a part of the process, increased our professional motivation. It gave us not only information but also a vision. Seeing that behind every service there is a plan, an effort, and teamwork impressed us. Listening firsthand and seeing on the spot how the projects are implemented was for us an inspiring experience.
Bursa / Yıldırım Municipality
Within the scope of our internship program, setting off from Istanbul, we also had the chance to visit Bursa, one of the cities of Türkiye that is historically and culturally the richest. This city, which served as the capital of the Ottoman State, has taken a special place in our hearts not only with its historical structures but also with its natural beauties, spiritual atmosphere, and hospitable people.
On this occasion, we made a visit to the Women and Family Services Directorate of Bursa Yıldırım Municipality and thus had the opportunity to see on the spot the beautiful works carried out for society. One of the things that most caught our attention during the visit was the many various courses offered to women. In addition to training given in fields such as handicrafts, sewing-embroidery, hairdressing, and computers, many opportunities directed towards personal development and vocational training were also being provided. Especially when we saw the women receiving welding training, we were truly impressed. Seeing women working with welding machines in their hands gave us strength, courage, and inspiration. We literally saw with our own eyes the thought that “A woman can succeed in every field.”
After this beautiful visit, we also had the chance to tour the historical places of Bursa. We visited the mosques and tombs remaining from the Ottoman period. With its high spirituality and peaceful atmosphere, it impressed us greatly. In addition, we went to the Hünkar Mansion where Atatürk stayed in Bursa. The historical atmosphere of that place left deep marks on us. We saw this day not only as a trip but also as an opportunity for learning and inspiration. We once again understood how valuable such services carried out for society are.
Kağıthane Municipality
One other municipality we visited in Istanbul was Kağıthane Municipality, and discovering the projects it offers was for us an unforgettable experience. We saw with our own eyes how the projects implemented by this municipality transformed not only the city but also people’s lives. Kağıthane Municipality, with 53 active projects, offers service to its people, and each one has been shaped with an understanding that is both practical and that values people. Seeing more closely the projects that were the most remarkable and that aroused our interest helped us to understand how wide a range municipalism can cover.
One of Kağıthane’s biggest priorities was park areas and parking lot projects. In a big city like Istanbul, the parking problem can seriously affect people’s daily lives. Kağıthane Municipality has built 23 different parking lot areas aimed at solving this problem.
Another impressive project was the “Dear Friends Office.” This office is a center aimed at the care and protection of stray animals. This office displays the sincerity of the interest shown both towards people and towards animals. The “Skillful Hands Bazaar” project aims especially to create job opportunities for women. This Bazaar provides a platform where women engaged in handicrafts can sell their products and gain economic independence.
The social markets and facilities projects of Kağıthane Municipality provide free or discounted food, clothing, and other basic needs for low-income families. Social markets show how close the municipality is to the people and its aim to extend a helping hand to every segment of society. In addition to this, among the projects that caught our interest were the Athlete’s Home Projects, the Employment Center, the Green Valley Project, and Nursing Homes for the elderly. The projects of Kağıthane Municipality showed us that a municipality not only fulfills its administrative duties but, by adopting a human-oriented approach, touches every area of the city.
Pendik Municipality
The last municipality we visited was Pendik Municipality, and we saw that the Press and Public Relations Directorate of the municipality is a unit that constitutes the basic pillars of the communication that the municipality establishes with the public and that manages its corporate image. We had the opportunity to closely observe the activities carried out by this directorate, and this process helped us to understand the important role that municipalism plays in terms of public relations and media management.
During the visual presentation made about the activities of the municipality, we saw with our own eyes how successfully they have adapted to the requirements of the digital age. The digital marketing work carried out by the relevant directorate was not limited only to producing social media content, but at the same time included strategic steps aimed at establishing effective and fast communication with the public.
We were also given information not only about the corporate identity of the municipality but also about the personal brand management of the Mayor who leads it. The statistics of advertising activities on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the past six years and the realistic, measurable results of these works were instructive for us. The figures clearly revealed not only the work done but also the impact and feedback of this work on society. In addition, the sharing made on the effect of outdoor advertising in the promotion of municipal services was enlightening. The statement “Where the citizen is, we must also be there” was one of the most concise sentences describing the bond that the municipality establishes with the public and its understanding of service.
After the presentation, we visited the Pendik Youth Development and Technology Center, and seeing that the support given to children and youth there extends to technology, personal development, and social life made us hopeful.
All this experience provided us not only with acquiring professional knowledge but also with feeling the spirit of a city. The energy of Istanbul, the rhythm of its streets, and the vision of its institutions offered us not just an internship but an unforgettable journey.
We sincerely thank TDBB and Kyrgyzstan–Türkiye Manas University for allowing us to be part of this meaningful process. They opened to us not only their doors but also their minds and hearts. This internship, in which every moment was full, gave us direction for the steps we will take in the future.
When we now look back, we see that we have not only been informed but also grown, developed, and come to carry a part of the unique experience of Istanbul.
The Cultural Capital of the World – Istanbul!
The Hagia Sophia Mosque, which defies the centuries; the Sultanahmet Mosque, which enchants people with its grace; the Süleymaniye Mosque, which rises to the sky with its magnificence; the Eyüpsultan Mosque, which instills spirituality within us; the tombs of members of the dynasty who directed history… And of course, the Dolmabahçe Palace, dazzling with its grace, and the Topkapı Palace, which bears traces of the Ottoman Empire in every corner…
All these structures were for us not only made of stone and brick; each was like a living memory that carries the voice of the past to today.
In addition, thanks to the museums and art galleries spread throughout Istanbul, we had the chance to meet not only with the history of the city but also with the heart that beats with culture and art.
This journey provided us not only with knowledge but also with admiration, inspiration, and a deep attachment.
For this unique experience that made us who we are:
Thank you Türkiye…
Thank you Istanbul…
Thank you TDBB…
