25/07/2025
BLOG SPOT : “Healthy Me, Happy Me” – A Week of Health, Culture, and Sustainability in Türkiye
Between April 21st and 28th, 2025, the Turkish leg of our Erasmus+ project "Healthy Me, Happy Me" welcomed students and teachers from France to İzmir for a dynamic and enriching week. The mobility blended health education, cultural exchange, and sustainable living practices.
The program kicked off with a warm welcoming ceremony and interactive presentations that celebrated the cultural identities of the partner countries. Participants visited key cultural sites such as the Bilal Saygılı Mosque and the Arkas Mattheys Mansion, setting the tone for a journey of discovery and connection.
Throughout the week, students engaged in diverse activities:
• First aid training, environmental clean-up, and tree planting at the Can Yücel Seed Center, where they also explored sustainable agriculture.
• On National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (April 23), participants joined local celebrations and took part in a cooking workshop focused on traditional meals and healthy eating habits, including comparisons between traditional foods and junk food.
• Cultural excursions to Ephesus, the Virgin Mary Church, İsa Bey Mosque, and Şirince deepened their understanding of Turkish heritage, paired with an informative lecture on climate change and health.
One of the highlights was the Mindfulness and Mental Health Day, where students practiced breathing exercises and meditation. Visits to Urla, Alaçatı, and Çeşme, including the Olive Oil Museum, allowed participants to explore natural heritage and wellness traditions.
On the final days, participants worked collaboratively on project outputs, explored Nazarköy and Kumis Horse Farm, and engaged in conversations about medicinal plants and local herbs.
The week concluded with a city tour, cultural immersion in İzmir's vibrant Kemeraltı Bazaar, and a heartfelt farewell dinner, leaving everyone with cherished memories, stronger international friendships, and a renewed commitment to healthy living.