Today, millions of Turkish citizens living in Europe strive to adapt to the social fabric of the countries they were born and raised in, while also seeking ways to preserve their identity without losing touch with their roots. At this very point, UID – Union of International Democrats plays a significant role with its projects that promote peaceful coexistence in multicultural societies. Especially in areas such as migrant integration, language education, and cultural heritage preservation, UID's initiatives strengthen the sense of belonging within diaspora communities.
Language is perhaps the most fundamental component of social cohesion. UID believes that raising individuals who are fluent in the language of their country of residence while also retaining their Turkish is the path to long-term success. Therefore, UID makes a strong effort to keep the Turkish language alive and pass it on to future generations, while also supporting courses and programs aimed at learning the local language.
UID’s language-focused projects include:
Mother tongue awareness weeks and competitions
“Speak Turkish at home” campaigns targeting families
Distribution of bilingual storybooks for children
Free courses in local languages such as German and French
For diaspora communities, the real threat is not assimilation, but drifting away from their cultural roots. Aware of this, UID organizes numerous events at national and local levels focused on the preservation, transmission, and promotion of cultural heritage. These events are not limited to the Turkish community but are open to all ethnic groups, aiming to foster mutual cultural understanding.
Turkish culture days, traditional crafts workshops, culinary presentations
Ramadan iftar gatherings, holiday festivals
Cultural dialogue platforms with other migrant communities in Europe
UID’s approach to social cohesion views multiculturalism not as passive tolerance, but as an active opportunity for mutual enrichment. It believes that preserving and recognizing each culture strengthens empathy among communities and the will to live together. That’s why UID seeks to build bridges not only within the Turkish community, but also with different ethnic and religious groups with whom it coexists.
As global mobility increases, the integration of diaspora communities into their host societies while preserving their own identities becomes more complex and multidimensional. This is where diaspora NGOs
