A governor’s visit is more than an official moment in the Rotary calendar. At its best, it becomes a day to listen, learn, recognise local strengths and renew the commitment to serve.
On 12 August 2026, Rotary International District 2430 Governor Orhan Uludağ and his wife Zeynep visited Malatya Arslantepe Rotary Club in Malatya. The programme connected Rotary leadership with the history, culture and social life of the city.
As part of the visit, the guests toured Aslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Gülen Yüzler Cafe, where children with Down syndrome work under the auspices of the Malatya Down Syndrome Association. They also visited the workshop and exhibition of Yusuf Bayyiğit, a traditional handicrafts artist recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and awarded UNESCO’s “Living Cultural Heritage” prize.
The day continued with a meeting between Governor Orhan Uludağ and the Board of Directors of Malatya Rotary Club, where projects planned for the 2026–2027 term were discussed. The visit then brought the two clubs together for a joint meeting opened by Malatya Rotary Club President Didem Gökçe. It was the club’s seventh meeting of the term and the 1,955th meeting since its founding.
The meeting also became a moment of welcome. Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrem Bozbey Merde was inducted as a new member of Malatya Rotary Club. Her Rotary badge was presented by the Governor, together with her Membership Certificate.
Governor Uludağ presented the club presidents with documents related to annual Rotary donations made on behalf of the clubs. President Didem Gökçe also presented the document for the annual donation made on behalf of Governor Uludağ, together with the club flag.
In his motivational presentation, Governor Uludağ spoke about Rotary’s impact, the power of creating projects, the visit to Anıtkabir by members of Rotary clubs from Districts 2420, 2430 and 2440 during the 2026–2027 Assembly in Antalya, and the 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei.
The visit showed Rotary in its full local dimension: honouring heritage, supporting inclusion, welcoming new members and preparing future action. In Malatya, fellowship and leadership came together around one shared question — how Rotary can continue to create lasting impact for the community.
