Türk-Alman-Kardeskentler-Zirvesi Istanbul 2025
Deutsch-Türkischer-Städtepartnerschaftsgipfel 2025

It was a pleasure to be part of this extraordinary summit in Istanbul. As the German-Turkish Sister City Association, we were honored to be part of the organizing committee of the first-ever Turkish-German Sister City Summit in Istanbul April 2025.

Cities are the places where democracy and freedom are experienced and protected. As pioneering institutions that directly represent the will of the people, defend fundamental rights, and embody participatory democracy, local governments play a decisive role in building free and just societies. In this regard, city diplomacy is essential for fostering mutual understanding and dialogue.

Mayors from Turkey and Germany gathered in Istanbul to strengthen this mutual understanding, dialogue, and cooperation between our two countries at the 1st German-Turkish Sister City Summit. The summit stands as a powerful statement on the centennial of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey, as well as a testament to the solidarity and shared democratic values among our cities and citizens.

Dialogue among sister cities is not only about cultural exchange; it is about building long-term partnerships that address common challenges such as climate change, migration, urban development, and social inclusion. Through continuous communication, mutual visits, and joint projects, sister cities create resilient networks of trust and cooperation. These relationships help transform diplomacy from abstract politics into meaningful human connections at the local level, where change truly begins.

It was an honour to be part of this important summit as President of the German-Turkish Sister City Association and to jelp organizing the summit.

Program of the conference: TBB (TURKIYE-ALMANYA KARDEŞ ŞEHIRLER ZIRVESI) PROGRAM-DE