Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and learn some Turkish. Even if you do not speak Turkish, you can still volunteer at many organizations.

Aid for Refugees

In recent years, the number of volunteer opportunities to help Syrian refugees has increased. One such program is Project Lift. Another organization is Türkiye Volunteers, a volunteer-based nonprofit that provides support for Syrian refugees.

Community Centers

You can also volunteer at community centers, which provide language classes, educational activities, and skills trainings. Two such centers are the Tarlabaşı Community Center and Small Projects Istanbul.

Women’s Shelters

Mor Çatı is a women’s shelter that provides support for those suffering from domestic violence and violence towards women and children. While some knowledge of Turkish is prefered, there are many ways to contribute, such as by teaching English classes.

Animal Shelters

There are also animal shelters that welcome volunteers. Cihangir Cool For Cats helps street animals in Istanbul.

Organic Farming

If you are interested in volunteering on organic farms and learning more about organic farming in Türkiye, then you can participate in Ta Tu Ta, the Turkish branch of WWOOF. Volunteers help out on the farm in exchange for food, accommodations, and learning experiences.