AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation Welcomes Turkish Youth Delegation as Part of “Bridges of Cultural Communication” Initiative

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF), in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, recently welcomed a delegation from the Beyoğlu Youth Center affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Türkiye. The contingent was part of the “Bridges of Cultural Communication” initiative, which facilitated reciprocal visits between students of the Foundation and their Turkish counterparts. This visit underscored MKF’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, strengthening bilateral ties, and promoting educational and tourism exchange between Bahrain and Türkiye.

Held from 12th to 16th January, the visit featured a curated itinerary of field visits to some of Bahrain’s most notable cultural and touristic sites, including the Bahrain International Circuit, the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, the Kanoo Museum, the Bahrain National Museum, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, and the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path. The delegation also met with Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Bahrain. These visits offered the delegation a first-hand understanding of Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and highlighted its appeal as a regional and global cultural destination.

A key moment of the visit was a cultural exchange session held at the Foundation’s headquarters, where students from both countries participated in an open dialogue and shared perspectives. The program included a hands-on Arabic calligraphy workshop, offering the Turkish guests insight into one of the region’s most enduring art forms and reinforcing the initiative’s spirit of meaningful cultural rapprochement and interaction.

As part of the exchange, MKF students will embark on a visit to Istanbul from 26th to 30th January. This visit aims to expand the students’ cultural, academic, and professional exposure through a series of immersive learning experiences in collaboration with leading Turkish educational and youth institutions.

The upcoming program in Türkiye will combine educational, cultural, and historical components. Students will visit institutions such as the Istanbul Technical University Youth Office (İTÜ Youth Office), the Erkent Innovation Center, the Istanbul Financial Center, and the Çemberlitaş Youth Center, while also taking part in a workshop on innovation and technology. They will also explore Türkiye’s advancements in industry and innovation with site visits to the IT Valley and the TOGG Automobile Factory.

On the cultural and historical front, the program will include guided tours of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, Çamlıca Hill and Tower, and the Maiden’s Tower, as well as experience a scenic cruise through Bosphorus. The itinerary will also feature direct cultural activities such as an Ebru (paper marbling) workshop and youth-led musical performances, enabling participants to engage with the country’s rich cultural traditions.

Commenting on the initiative, Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of MKF, affirmed that the “Bridges of Cultural Communication” initiative serves as an effective model for cross-cultural exchange anchored in partnership and integration. She noted that the program demonstrates the role of culture and education in connecting nations and aligns with Bahrain’s national vision of positioning itself as a hub for cultural dialogue and sustainable tourism. Her Highness further emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering youth and expanding their global outlook through experiential learning.

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation was established in 2011 as a non-profit organization registered and licensed by the Ministry of Social Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Foundation strives to create a positive social impact in education and empower local talent to reach their full potential through learning opportunities that equip them with knowledge, skills, and practical experience, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the nation.