Foundation Charter
The Kahramanmaraş Tradespeople and Artisans Mutual Aid and Education Foundation (KESYEV) was established under the provisions of the Turkish Civil Code following the earthquake of February 6, 2023, which deeply affected 11 provinces centered on Kahramanmaraş. Its purpose is to contribute — materially and morally — to the reconstruction of our city and the earthquake region, to the revival of social life, and to healing the wounds of our community, particularly tradespeople, artisans and their families. Below is a summary of the key provisions of our Foundation’s official charter.
Name and Headquarters of the Foundation
The Foundation’s official name is “Kahramanmaraş Tradespeople and Artisans Mutual Aid and Education Foundation,” abbreviated as “KESYEV.” The Foundation is headquartered at Menderes Mahallesi, Veysel Karani Caddesi, Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Tradespeople and Artisans No:7, Dulkadiroğlu/Kahramanmaraş.
Purpose of the Foundation
Prioritizing education and scientific/vocational research and development, our Foundation aims to provide services in health, sports, social assistance, culture, environmental protection and afforestation — services that ease the public burden of the state — to all segments of society, particularly tradespeople, artisans and their families.
Areas of Activity
Our Foundation carries out activities under five main headings in pursuit of its purpose:
- Education and Training Activities: Establishing educational facilities, dormitories and libraries at every level; providing scholarships, loans and material/moral support; organizing competitions, awards and support programs for successful and needy students.
- Sports Activities: Supporting athletic development regardless of gender or age; establishing sports clubs and facilities; supporting talented, disabled, and orphaned athletes.
- Social Assistance and Support Activities: Supporting elderly, disabled, needy and ill tradespeople and their families; providing humanitarian aid during disasters and emergencies; running food banking and sacrifice (kurban) organizations.
- Public Relations, Health and Cultural Activities: Organizing publications, conferences, symposiums and cultural/artistic events; establishing health institutions; developing projects for disadvantaged groups.
- Environmental and Wildlife Protection: Establishing green spaces and parks; running organic farming, renewable energy and recycling projects; working on animal rights and shelters.
Governing Bodies of the Foundation
The Foundation’s governing bodies consist of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, and the Audit Board. In addition, there is an Advisory Board to contribute to the Foundation’s objectives.
- Board of Trustees: The Foundation’s highest decision-making body. It consists of the five people on the founders’ list plus members who join afterward; it convenes at least once a year as a regular meeting. It holds the highest-level authority, including electing the Board of Directors and Audit Board, approving the budget and activity reports, and amending the foundation charter.
- Board of Directors: Consists of five regular and three substitute members elected by the Board of Trustees for a three-year term; it is the Foundation’s administrative and executive body, meeting at least once every three months.
- Audit Board: Consists of three regular and one substitute member elected by the Board of Trustees for a three-year term; it audits the Foundation’s activities and accounts.
- Advisory Board: A body of expertise consisting of at least three people, elected annually by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.