Yücel Cultural Foundation

A youth movement that elevates culture and the arts

Since 1969, we have connected young people’s dreams with culture, the arts, education and international opportunities, supporting them as they confidently shape their own paths.

1969 Since
Who are we?

A participatory foundation that believes in the potential of young people

Since its establishment in 1969, Yücel Cultural Foundation has aimed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through its activities and projects. Founded to serve young people, our Foundation connects enthusiastic young people who wish to develop themselves in culture and the arts, or who need support to achieve their dreams, with opportunities and stands by them throughout their journey.

Believing in the transformative power of culture and the arts, particularly in the lives of young people, Yücel Cultural Foundation has devoted all its resources to this purpose. Its founding philosophy is to be a civil society organization that “elevates” culture and the arts; the name YÜCEL, which conveys this idea in Turkish, comes from this understanding.

We work to turn young people’s dreams into reality through their active participation in the process.

Yücel Cultural Foundation works according to the principles of transparency and equality, without discrimination among young people on the basis of language, religion, ethnic origin or gender. It contributes to the development of socially responsible, contemporary, well-equipped, level-headed and questioning young people. Throughout our journey of more than half a century, we have been delighted to be part of a growing community of young people who want to begin changing their future today.

  • Youth-centered approach
  • Participation
  • Transparency
  • Equality

Culture and the arts

We support young people in creating, expressing themselves and building a stronger connection with culture and the arts.

Education and development

Through training programs, projects and seminars, we create opportunities for young people to improve their knowledge and skills.

Scholarships and grants

We contribute to the educational and personal development journeys of young people in need of financial support through scholarships and grants.

International opportunities

Through youth exchanges and volunteering programs, we help young people gain access to international experiences.

Our history

A journey growing together with young people since 1969

1969

Establishment of the Foundation

Yücel Cultural Foundation was established under the Turkish Civil Code by ruling no. 969/230 of the Istanbul 9th Civil Court of First Instance. Our founding group consisted of 21 educators, 19 businesspeople and 26 professionals, including doctors and lawyers.

Early years

Moving to Sultanahmet

The Foundation began its work temporarily at Caferağa Street No. 6 in Eminönü. Two years later, it moved to the historic Abud Efendi Mansion in Sultanahmet. The mansion and its complex were officially registered as the Yücel Cultural Foundation building.

Education era

Helping young people gain vocational skills

Yücel Dersanesi, established within the Foundation, helped young people acquire vocational skills through language, business, secretarial and accounting courses.

Youth work

Camps, exchanges and cultural activities

Youth camps were organized in Tuzla, Gümüşyaka, Uludağ, Ağaçlı, Kilyos and Caddebostan. Through the Foundation, many young people took part in camps abroad and international seminars. Projects for children were carried out with other civil society organizations, while cultural activities supporting sports and skills development were held at the Sultanahmet building.

Transformation

Adapting to changing needs

As foreign language courses became more widespread, technology changed and Sultanahmet underwent a transformation, Yücel Dersanesi concluded its activities. The Foundation continued supporting young people by redirecting its work toward scholarships, cultural and artistic projects, and youth programs.

Today

Reaching more young people

Yücel Cultural Foundation continues its work to reach more young people through the projects it develops, its expanding scholarship programs and its international youth initiatives.

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