Dear Participants,

Türkiye is a fragile land shaped by trauma throughout its history and present; a place where violence, victimization, and silence are all too common. There are still many people here whose wounds remain unhealed, whose voices remain unheard.

We can only break the chain of hatred and guilt passed down from generation to generation by working together. We need to lean on each other to reinterpret, repair, and heal our defeats, losses, and grief.

Trauma leaves its mark not only on individuals but also on the memory of a society. Repairing these scars requires knowledge, insight, and ethical responsibility.

With this responsibility in mind, we have launched this Certificate Program in collaboration with the International Trauma Studies Program, which has been operating in New York since 1997, with the aim of creating a trauma-sensitive society and supporting professionals who will specialize in this field.

Our program is run under the umbrella of our existing Trauma Prevention and Rehabilitation Center. Our goal is to expand the center’s sphere of influence and develop inclusive approaches that prevent violence, recognize trauma, and honor victims.

I deeply believe that every expert trained on this journey will make valuable contributions to the process of coping with, narrating, and healing from trauma.

I am excited about contributing to the professional field and to a just and peaceful life.

May our path be bright.

Ayten Zara