(Tuzla District Governorship ,İstanbul, Türkiye)
Tuzla Context
Tuzla District, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, is one of the city’s fastest-developing districts, with a population of approximately 285,000 residents (as of 2023). As a coastal district bordering the Marmara Sea, Tuzla is known for its maritime heritage, shipyards, and rapidly expanding residential and industrial zones. It hosts a diverse and youthful population, including internal migrants and families from various socio-economic backgrounds.
Tuzla stands out for its strategic location—close to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, connected by major highways and public transport—and for being home to multiple universities, vocational schools, and technology centres. The district balances urban development with green spaces, seaside parks, and cultural activities, making it both a dynamic economic zone and a liveable residential area.
Tuzla is home to multiple universities and higher education institutions that contribute significantly to the district’s intellectual and social life. Notable among these are:
- Istanbul Technical University – Maritime Faculty
A leading institution in maritime education in Türkiye, training expert engineers in navigation, shipbuilding, and marine technologies.
-Sabancı University
A top-ranked research university known for its interdisciplinary approach and global academic excellence.
- Piri Reis University
Specialized in maritime studies and marine technologies
- Okan University
A dynamic foundation university with strong ties to industry
Empowering Inclusive Education at the Local Level
As a key public institution representing the Turkish government at the local level, Tuzla Kaymakamlığı(Tuzla District Governorship) plays a central role in ensuring inclusive, democratic, and accessible public services. As a dedicated partner of Include Me+ Erasmus+ cooperation project, Tuzla brings a wealth of expertise in implementing digital transformation and inclusion strategies in schools and youth-focused initiatives.
A Bridge Between Government, Schools, and Society
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Tuzla is one of the fastest-growing districts of Türkiye’s largest city. With its strategic location, rapidly expanding population, and diverse demographic structure, Tuzla has become a dynamic hub for educational innovation and inclusive governance.
The Tuzla District Governorship is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all public institutions in the district, including schools, social services, cultural programs, and civil society activities. Through its District Directorate of National Education, Tuzla supports more than 100 schools and tens of thousands of students, teachers, and families, ensuring access to quality education for all—regardless of socio-economic background.
Inclusive and Digital Innovation in Education
The Governorship has been actively involved in both national and European projects promoting digital literacy and digital citizenship,equal access to technology in education, social inclusion of disadvantaged groups,cultural participation of youth and women.
Empowering Inclusion: Tuzla’s Strategic Role
-Daily engagement with disadvantaged and underrepresented groups (youth, refugees, people with disabilities, low-income families),
- Experience in digital inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and access to public services,
- Deep ties with local educators, civil society organizations, and media creators, making it a strong local mobilizer,
-Proven experience in EU-funded projects
Our Role in INCLUDE ME+:
- Supporting the co-design of inclusive training content, tailored to real-life local needs and vulnerable communities,
- Engaging local stakeholders in workshops, story collection, and pilot testing phases,
- Acting as a bridge between policy and practice, using its public authority status to ensure long-term sustainability,
- Promoting digital peacebuilding and respectful online behavior through the use of media literacy tools in Tuzla schools and public services.
- As a governmental authority, Tuzla District Governorship plays a crucial role in the dissemination and visibility of the INCLUDE ME+ project. By leveraging its extensive network of schools, public institutions, civil society organizations, and media contacts.