Rotary’s cross-border vision of fellowship and service came to life in Slovenia through a unique convergence of nature and the art of photography. Organized under the leadership of District 2440 Inter-Country Committees (ICC) Turkey-Slovenia Coordinator Mert Rüstem, the Strong Feet Trekking and Shutter Photography Fellowship Groups gathered in Slovenia between July 2nd and 6th, 2026. With the participation of spouses and children, the team reached 21 people, including Osman Ragıp Özkan and Nurcihan Ergüleç from Bodrum Rotary Club; Neşe Gök and Sevilay Gülcüler from Dokuz Eylül Rotary Club; Müge Çakır and Gonca Tokuz from Toprak Ana Rotary Club; Yasemin Reşitoğlu and her spouse Doğan from Karşıyaka Rotary Club; Nuriye Gümrükçüler from Konak Rotary Club; Nihal Öner from Çiğli Rotary Club; Ayça Açıkel from İyi Yaşam Rotary Club; and Mert Rüstem from Mavişehir Rotary Club. The journey, where even those meeting for the first time bonded as if they had known each other for years, successfully transformed shared hobby passions into deep Rotarian fellowship.
On the first day of the trip, the team explored the capital city, Ljubljana, with the trekking group climbing to the castle on foot while the photographers captured iconic landmarks such as the Triple Bridge, the riverside, the parliament building, and the music academy. The second day was dedicated to the natural wonders of Lake Bled and Bled Castle. After completing a 6-kilometer trail around the lake, the trekkers enjoyed a refreshing swim, while the young-at-heart members of the group shared fun moments on the summer toboggan track.
The most strategic and meaningful moments of the trip took place on the second evening during a joint meeting of Slovenian and Turkish Rotarians. Aimed at reinforcing the bonds of friendship between the two countries, this special gathering was attended by District 1912 Past District Governor (PDG) Anton Končnik, District 1912 ICC Slovenia Coordinator Majda B. Menart, International Relations Coordinator Alja Zorz, and Carniola Rotary Club President Jure Tonc. During the event, District 2440 ICC Slovenia Coordinator Mert Rüstem conveyed the warm wishes of District 2440 District Governor (DG) Aylin Olut Ötken, presented the Governor's banner to Majda B. Menart, and gifted our Slovenian friends with packages of local figs unique to our region. In return, Rotarian Majda B. Menart presented Mert Rüstem with a custom-designed graphic artwork. Following this, representatives from the Çiğli, Toprak Ana, Konak, Karşıyaka, and Dokuz Eylül clubs presented their club banners to Carniola Club President Jure Tonc.
In this productive session where future visions and service projects were shared, Rotarian Jure Tonc introduced their planned clean water project in Kenya, while Rotarian Neşe Gök outlined the "Green Roots" project carried out in Turkey. As a result of the meeting, it was decided to renew the official friendship agreement between District 1912 and District 2440, which required an update due to administrative restructuring on the Slovenian side. An action plan was also established, mutually agreeing that Turkish Rotarians will visit Slovenia in May 2027, and Slovenian Rotarians will visit Turkey in September 2027. The evening, filled with pleasant conversations, concluded as the beginning of warm, lifelong friendships and a true celebration of the Rotary spirit.
On the third day of the trip, the team visited Postojna Cave, one of Europe's largest natural wonders, followed by the historic Predjama Castle. The trekking group won high praise by determinedly walking the 10-kilometer distance of forested and steep mountain paths—a route the bus driver, Igor, had claimed was "impossible to walk"—reaching the castle in just three hours. The weekend excitement culminated in Piran, a charming coastal town that serves as the country's only gateway to the Mediterranean, captivating everyone with its narrow streets and stunning Mediterranean architecture. On Sunday, the group traveled to Kranjska Gora, a famous ski resort offering postcard-perfect views of the Alps. During this stage, PDG Anton Končnik and his wife, Meta, showed wonderful hospitality by joining the Turkish team on their bicycles.
On the day of departure, the team took a final 6-kilometer walk through the forest located in the very heart of Ljubljana, drawing great environmental inspiration from how seamlessly the city integrates with its green canopy. Following some shopping tours, the team reluctantly bid farewell to Slovenia with unforgettable memories, collections of beautiful photographs, and the warm embrace of Rotary fellowship.
Reflecting on the profound success of this international encounter, Majda B. Menart, National Coordinator ICC for District 1912 (Slovenia and North Macedonia), shared a heartfelt message on behalf of the host country, expressing deep gratitude for the visit. She noted that it was a true honor and pleasure to welcome the Turkish delegation and share unforgettable moments of mutual understanding. Highlighting how the conversations, experiences, and strengthened friendships perfectly mirrored the true spirit of Rotary—bringing cultures together and building lasting connections through service—Menart shared her hope that the stay left wonderful memories of Slovenia's hospitality. Looking ahead, she emphasized that the Slovenian Rotarians are already looking forward to the next reunion in Türkiye in 2027, expressing ultimate certainty that the bond between the districts will continue to grow for many years to come, wishing all fellow Rotarians continued success, peace, and good health until they meet again.
