Yeniden Antakya Platform Association (Yeniden Antakya Platformu Derneği) received grant support from our Institutional Fund*, to improve its project management capacity. YAP is using the grant support to hire two employees, receive accounting services, and cover the communication expenses related to these activities.
Please read the following interview to learn more about their work.
The Yeniden Antakya Platformu Association (YAP) has been working to preserve and revive Hatay’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. What is the current situation of the area in your view?
Despite the time that has passed, the region still faces immense challenges. Physical and psychological damage remains largely unresolved, with substantial infrastructure losses and a population exodus leaving a deep social and economic void. This has led to weakened social cohesion and a sense of lost cultural identity.
To address these issues, YAP has developed various initiatives focused on preserving cultural heritage, reintegrating communities into social and economic life, and strengthening social bonds. Through educational, cultural, and art events, along with projects supporting the local economy, we aim to rebuild the social fabric of the region. Our goal is not only to support Hatay’s physical recovery but to nurture its cultural and social revival.
How has the grant support impacted your organisational development and activities?
The grant support has provided more than just financial assistance—it has helped our newly established association, born out of urgent necessity, gain invaluable experience within the civil society sector. Although we began with clear goals and principles, this grant has underscored the importance of taking strategic organisational steps to better achieve our aims. Employing a dedicated team member has enabled us to organise activities more efficiently, improve documentation, formalise membership processes, secure resources, and create essential promotional materials.
From the start, we’ve participated in workshops on legal matters, human resources, and more, which have enriched our organisational knowledge. Through mentorship and networking with other civil society organisations (CSOs), we decided to restructure our association. With our board and team fully committed, we continue our efforts to strengthen YAP and broaden our reach.
In summary; the grant has allowed YAP to engage with wider audiences and deliver more impactful projects, significantly contributing to the restoration of Hatay’s social fabric. Our efforts have led to increased local engagement, heightened awareness of cultural preservation, and strengthened social solidarity.
These results underscore how crucial this support is, creating tangible impacts in the region. We hope to bring more projects to life with similar support in the future.
What is the current situation in Antakya? Aside from your own work, what other efforts are underway?
The situation in Antakya remains challenging, and recovery is ongoing. While progress has been made in restoring infrastructure and revitalising social and economic life, many gaps remain:
- Many buildings and infrastructure are still damaged, especially historical sites and residential areas, where restoration continues.
- Although utilities like electricity, water, and roads have improved, some areas have yet to return to normal.
- Earthquake survivors still show signs of trauma and anxiety, with a significant need for ongoing psychosocial support.
Key areas that require further support:
- Long-term Psychosocial Support: Extended psychological and social support programs are needed, especially for children and youth who require prolonged rehabilitation.
- Education and Health Infrastructure: Many schools and health centres are not fully operational, impacting access to education and healthcare.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: More resources are needed for restoration projects to preserve Hatay’s rich cultural heritage. Restoring cultural landmarks and encouraging community preservation efforts are essential.
- Economic Support and Employment: Entrepreneurship, job opportunities, and production activities need additional backing to revive the local economy, with a particular focus on small businesses and artisans.
In short, while some progress has been made, major needs persist in Antakya. YAP continues to address these gaps, recognising the importance of collaboration with other organisations in the recovery journey.
What are your future plans and priorities? How has our grant support influenced these goals?
YAP’s long-term goals include contributing to the well-being and development of Antakya and its surrounding areas. We aim to expand our educational programs, reach more people, and provide skill-building opportunities. Additionally, we plan to initiate sustainable community development projects to ensure the community’s resilience and welfare. This grant has given us fresh perspectives and has helped us develop targeted projects for women and youth, offering more educational and support programs that encourage community involvement.
This support has laid a strong foundation for YAP’s future projects, enabling us to build partnerships with other institutions and CSOs, enhancing the reach and impact of our work.
Why do you think it’s important for donors to support your work? Do you have a message for the supporters of our Institutional Fund?
Given that YAP operates in the earthquake-affected area, having diverse donor support is critical to ensure the sustainability and impact of our projects, allowing us to touch more lives. This support enables us to undertake broader projects, creating lasting change in the region. We are grateful to our donors for helping rebuild Hatay and enhancing the community’s well-being. Their support leaves a legacy not only for today but also for future generations.
To the fund’s supporters: Your contributions do more than bring our projects to life; they represent an investment in the community, the environment, and future generations. Every donation strengthens our ability to create positive change.
*The 2023-24 term of the Support Foundation for Civil Society’s Institutional Fund was supported by Turkey Mozaik Foundation, the Bcause Foundation, Dalyan Foundation, Fondation de France, Karl Kahane Foundation, Kreuzberger Initiative gegen Antisemitismus (KIgA), and WNS (Holdings) Limited, who have joined forces to provide extensive support to the earthquake-affected areas.
