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Everything began on a snowy day in Istanbul – as unexpected and rare as the weather phenomenon itself in that part of the world. The decision of two clubs – Rotary Club Bodrum from District 2440 and Rotary Club Bourgas from District 2482 – to send their representatives to the Rotary Presidential Peace Conference and the Intercountry Committees (ICC) meeting in Istanbul marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Rotarians in Türkiye, Istanbul truly earned the honour of hosting these Rotary events. Bahcesehir University (BAU) became the newest Rotary Peace Centre – this time, only a short drive away from us. This opens new opportunities for District 2482 to nominate candidates for the Rotary Peace Fellowships programme (learn more here: rotary.org/peace-fellowships).
And while it may not be strictly Rotary-like to admit it, the smoking area at BAU turned out to be the very first social platform for refined interclub communication. Gergana and Şehval, the two Club Presidents at the time, met for the first time under the falling snowflakes in that rather informal, yet warmly genuine spot. And that’s how it all began.
What followed was a tour around the university halls, a conversation about a project supporting women in regions affected by the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, and a spontaneous – yet entirely natural – decision to sign a preliminary twinning agreement. As the saying goes, news travels fast: the preliminary document was officially signed the very next day, in the presence of Zone 21 and 22 Director Daniel Tanase, Rotary Public Image Coordinator PDG Altan Arslan, and District Governor of D2440, Mert Korur.
Upon their return to Bourgas, the Rotary Club unanimously agreed to join as an international partner and co-funding organisation in the global grant Adıyaman Gölbaşı Women’s Cooperative in Adiyaman, Türkiye. This was no coincidence. We’d like to recall that Rotary Club Bourgas was the first club in Bulgaria – and among the first globally – to contribute financially to relief efforts for those affected by the catastrophic earthquake 34 km west of Gaziantep, donating USD 1,000.
To this new club contribution, District 2482 joined in via the District Designated Fund (DDF) with an additional USD 2,000, approved by District Governor 2024–25 Margarita Bogdanova and the Chair of the District Rotary Foundation Committee, Konstantin Stoyanov. The total contribution from Bulgaria reached USD 4,100 (2,000+1,600+500) – a significant step towards the successful implementation of the project, which is already underway!
As per twinning protocol, each partner club reciprocates with an official visit. But those of us from the seaside know – the formality is in the paperwork, the reality is in a heartfelt embrace. Thus came the extended gathering of both clubs – just days before the annual handover. Without going into too much detail – it was a genuine journey of added value, as aptly described by Niki Dinov, member of RC Bourgas and the one we thank for the beautiful photographs
showing us all happy and radiant. The Rotarians from Bourgas arrived in Bodrum both by sea and by air.
And the hosts from Bodrum? Absolutely outstanding! There was history, sand, sea, a boat trip, snorkelling in turquoise waters, and a moonlit fiesta by the shore. It was all there. Even wide-brimmed eco-straw hats. One of them – true to the spirit of the sea – was swept away by the breeze into the open water. Clearly, it couldn't keep up with the pace.
Now we look forward to the next chapter of this seaside Rotary tale – this time in Bourgas, during our magical coastal autumn. The next steps belong to the new Club Presidents – Vesela and Yumer.
That’s all from us for now.
Wishing you health, happiness, and continuity – may it all endure!
