As one of the leading heritage NGOs in Turkey, the Foundation for the Protection and Promotion of the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ÇEKÜL) strives to foster and build a nation-wide awareness and network for the preservation of the urban and rural, built and natural environment. ÇEKÜL was founded in 1990 by a group of intellectuals, the majority of whom were academics. Concerned about the impact of uncontrolled urban development and migration from the countryside, they joined forces to set up an organization to act as a guardian for Turkey’s threatened natural resources and cultural heritage. Activities range from the restoration and renovation of the built environment on a “neighborhood-town-basin-region-country” basis to sustainable rural development, biodiversity conservation and afforestation. The Foundation works in collaboration with more than 300 historic localities throughout Turkey, for the protection of city and town houses and their contents, whole villages, fortresses, marketplaces and public squares, monumental structures and ancient archeological sites. Each of the projects involves educational, promotional, and community organizing objectives alongside main project goals. The Board of Trustees oversees the Board of Directors in running the organization to deliver its core objectives. The Advisory Council Members bring a breadth of experience and perspective in policy development and goal-setting. An additional 110 regional representatives provide advice and support to projects across Turkey and act as ambassadors for the Foundation. The Secretary General and project coordinators at the headquarters in Istanbul are responsible for running and coordinating day-to-day activities.
