With summer just around the corner, regional associations representing Turkey’s northeastern provinces of Ardahan and Kars have officially launched their annual event calendars. Operating heavily across major metropolitan hubs like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli, and Bursa, these NGOs are preparing to host hundreds of cultural gatherings, ranging from traditional summer festivals to regional food exhibitions
While the announcement has sparked excitement among members wishing to reconnect with their roots, it has also reignited a long-standing debate within the community. Locals and diaspora members frequently criticize these institutions for keeping their scope too narrow. Critics argue that relying solely on annual "Goose Nights" and picnics fails to address the real needs of the community, urging executives to shift focus toward youth education, local business networking, and impactful cultural preservation projects.
Ardahan newspaper
