The Taiwan - Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens​

taiwan reyhanli centre

located in reyhanli, turkey

Amidst the turmoil
of the 11-year Syrian civil war
and with 8 million refugees displaced,
a beacon of hope has emerged. 
The Turkish-Syrian border town of Reyhanli,
located 2 kilometers away from the conflict,
has 100,000 Turkish residents
and 250,000 Syrian refugees.

People from Taiwan, Turkey,
and the wider international community
have donated 7,000 square meters of land
and 52 standard units, to build a center of hope,
today known as the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre.
The center promises to provide a lifeline
for those affected by the conflict,
offering a glimmer of hope
in the midst of hardship.

Logo Origin

The Taiwan Reyhanli Centre’s architectural design is inspired by the traditional Islamic architecture prevalent in the area where it is located, catering to the predominantly Islamic beliefs of the Syrian refugees it serves. The central feature of the building is its grand arch, measuring 10 meters in height, 6.3 meters in width, and 8 meters in depth. The roof of the building is designed to echo the scale of the arched cloisters of the Aleppo Grand Mosque, effectively bridging the gap between Turkey and Syria. 

The unique arched roof of the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre draws inspiration from the stone arch structure of Hattusa, which dates back to 1200 BC, and has been designed to feature a beautiful hyperbolic shape. The roof’s color, a striking sky blue, was chosen to complement the distinct color palette of Reyhanli City. Furthermore, graphics displaying Chinese, English, Turkish, and Arabic surround the roof, providing a unifying cultural touch. The building is expected to serve as a beacon of hope.

Reyhanli

In May 2013, the city of Reyhanli was hit by two bomb attacks on the same day, killing 52 people and injuring 146. The city of Reyhanli has been the frequent target of rocket attacks since 2011, the most recent of which occurred in September 2019.

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has led to over 5.6 million individuals fleeing Syria to seek asylum in other countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, and other regions (UNHCR, 2018). Turkey has accommodated over 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

Reyhanli is located in the Southeastern part of Turkey, Hatay Province. This means that Reyhanli is located on the main route from Turkey to Aleppo, serving as a vital entry point for Syrians seeking asylum.

The majority of Syrians arriving in Turkey do not live in refugee camps but reside in cities or on the outskirts of cities, with two thirds of them being women and children. Unfortunately, about 40% of Syrian children lack access to education and basic medical insurance.

Reyhanli faces various social challenges already, such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of water and electricity. The town also lacks public facilities like housing, healthcare, education, and recreational amenities. These issues impact the daily lives of the community.

Despite many years passing since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, the political unrest continues. However, for those who have arrived and live in our Taiwan Reyhanli Centre, they have found a community and a sense of belonging.

The rising refugee population, coupled with economic fragility after the pandemic, and intensifying social issues, have led to a difficult situation for residents of Reyhanli. This has resulted in growing tensions between Syrians and Turks.

The Taiwan Reyhanli Centre has offered refugees a ray of hope, like the warmth of the winter sun.

Architectural plans

In 2016, the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre’s construction plan and site survey commenced.
The building broke ground in April 2020, with completion in September that same year.
During these four years, Dr. Chiu voluntarily was the first private funder and is now the CEO of the centre.
He worked closely with the Turkish government, non-governmental organisations, and local grassroots groups to make the centre’s vision and plan come true.
Dr. Chiu now has a management team supporting the centre’s vision.
We are thrilled about the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre’s success so far and are excited to continue serving our community.

team member

Chen yu Chiu

Chief Executive Officer & Principal Architect

Muhammed Velid Abdi

Project Manager

MH Diaa Aldin Alshami

On-site Deputy Manager

Tuba Alvanoğlu

Media Supervisor & Political Advisor

Recep Öğüç

Project Architect

Fatma Elbabu

Administrator

Muhammed Talal Chami

Security Guard

I-Fang Chiu

Project Manager

Firas Hac Bergus

English Teacher

Yaser Alhalo

General Assistant

Abdulrezzak Elnavvaz

Electrician

Jack Huang

SDG/ESG Specialist

Saeb Akil

Arabic Teacher

Imed Zua

Gardener

Zaki Diko

Football Coach

Meng-Hsuan Yang

Business Consultant & Architect

Mehmet Emin Dergi

Warehouse Keeper

MHD Adnan Basal

Cleaner

Working Together for Refugees: Our Collaborative Approach

The International Humanitarian Architecture and Education Association was established
in partnership with Tayvan Dünya Vatandaşları Derneği, a non-profit social organisation on the Turkish-Syrian border.
Both organisations support the ‘Taiwan Reyhanli Centre by aiding in its construction and improving the livelihoods of local refugees in need.

In addition, CEO Dr. Chiu founded three more organisations in Taiwan: The Association of International Humanitarian Architecture and Education,
Meow Meow Woof Woof Limited Company, and Women Corporation. He also established two organisations in Turkey:
CECE JIJI Tekstil Tourism Industry Domestic and Foreign Trade Limited Company and Women Corporation.

These five organisations share a common goal of making substantial contributions to the refugee issue
by providing support to the vulnerable groups and advancing humanitarian causes.

1017組織架構圖 (1)_1300x768px

"The Taiwan - Reyhanli Centre for World
Citizens "is a public building in Reyhanli,
Turkey and was established as part of a foreign aid development project initiated
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China.
It is primarily subsidised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China
and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Delegation in Ankara.
While originally affiliated with the Reyhanli Municipal Government,
the Centre is now led by Dr. Chen yu Chiu.

Tayvan Dünya Vatandaşları Derneği is an organisation passionate
about promoting equality and justice for all individuals.
Their commitment is reflected in their support for the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre
which seeks to provide a safe haven for the Syrian refugees.

Several organisations were established to help
both the Syrian refugee women and vulnerable Turkish women.
These organisations are Miao Miao Wang Wang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.,
Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise in Turkey, and the Women's Cooperative.
The women participate in workshops at the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre
to create handcrafted artwork.
The products are exported through Turkey's Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise
and imported to Taiwan by
Miaomiaowangwang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.
The artwork is then sold to the public.
All revenue goes back to the women's cooperative members
and the Refugee Children Project of the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre.

Several organisations were established to help
both the Syrian refugee women and vulnerable Turkish women.
These organisations are Miao Miao Wang Wang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.,
Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise in Turkey, and the Women's Cooperative.
The women participate in workshops at the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre
to create handcrafted artwork.
The products are exported through Turkey's Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise
and imported to Taiwan by
Miaomiaowangwang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.
The artwork is then sold to the public.
All revenue goes back to the women's cooperative members
and the Refugee Children Project of the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre.

Several organisations were established to help
both the Syrian refugee women and vulnerable Turkish women.
These organisations are Miao Miao Wang Wang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.,
Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise in Turkey, and the Women's Cooperative.
The women participate in workshops at the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre
to create handcrafted artwork.
The products are exported through Turkey's Beautiful Hen Social Enterprise
and imported to Taiwan by
Miaomiaowangwang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.
The artwork is then sold to the public.
All revenue goes back to the women's cooperative members
and the Refugee Children Project of the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre.

The International Humanitarian Architecture and Education Association
is an organisation that aims to improve living conditions in developing areas
through architectural expertise and education.
They are committed to promoting equality in human life around the world
and actively participate in international humanitarian
and charitable relief work, crossing racial barriers.
Their ultimate goal is to make Taiwan an indispensable part of the global community.

Support from all over the world

2022.09.25YUKA KOMATSU
2022.08 BIRS
2022.02.21 AAR Japanese
2022.1.31 UNHCR
DRC 2021.11.03
2022.09.23 World vesion visit
2022.06.28 Saeed Organization
2022.02.28 wheelchair donation
2022.01.14-Violet
Ivy from Taiwan
2022.09.22 BPAM
2022.06.30 BIRS
2022.02.28 REACH
2021.12.03 Taiwan reporter
Astrid and Marshall from Taiwan
2022.06.11 Lord's Grace Tourism
2022.03.29 Marco from Germany
DSC04317
2021.08.18 Lin Jingyi

Dr. Chiu Chen-Yu

Dr. Chiu is the CEO of the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre. He volunteered as an architect in 2016 while teaching at the Department of Architecture at Bilkent University in Turkey and became the founding director in 2020. In 2021, he was appointed as the lifelong CEO by the Turkish Reyhanli Municipal Government. Dr. Chiu continues to use his expertise in architecture and curation and passion for humanitarian causes to lead the center towards its mission.

Muhammed Velid Abdi

Muhammed Velid Abdi is a Syrian-born economist with experience in various NGOs including Norwegian Refugee Council, UNFPA – Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG), and the International Labour Organisation. He has volunteered at Ankara’s immigration office and has also played a vital role in setting up the ‘Building Bridges for Refugee Children’ organisation. Currently, he serves as a full-time manager responsible for overseeing the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre operations.

MH Diaa Aldin Alshami

MH Diaa, originally from Homs city, Syria, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Counseling Education from Al-Baath University. He has been living in Turkey since 2014 and has worked as a psychosocial supporter and team leader at the International Medical Corps for five years. He has also volunteered for various local charities. Currently, he is the deputy manager responsible for overseeing all of the centre’s issues on-site.

Tuba Alvanoğlu

Tuba, born in Kars, Turkey, now resides in Antakya. She holds degrees in management, finance and media communications. With prior experience as a journalist in various media outlets such as Milliyet, Hürriyet, Vatan, and Hatay Radyo Televizyon, she currently works as an on-site Turkish journalist at the centre. Additionally, she serves as a political advisor for the centre.

Recep Öğüç

Recep, a licensed architect from Cappadocia, Turkey, has been collaborating with Dr. Chiu since 2019. He graduated from the Department of Architecture at Bilkent University and has contributed to multiple design proposals for the centre. Additionally, he conducted field studies in Reyhanlı, employing participatory design frameworks. Recep continues to make significant contributions to the project as a licensed architect in Turkey.

Fatma Elbabu

Fatma is a graduate of Aleppo University’s Department of English Literature in Syria. She previously worked as an English teacher and online media marketing assistant. Currently, she assists in translating administrative-related affairs and activities at the centre.

Muhammed Talal Chami

Muhammed is originally from Homs, Syria. He has extensive experience working as a guard and has served the Syrian government in the past. Muhammed is currently utilizing his skills and expertise by maintaining the security of the Taiwan Centre.

I-Fang Chiu

I-Fang graduated from the Department of Architecture at Cheng Kung University. Currently, I-Fang takes charge of handling various matters from the Taiwan-located centre such as managing the docking port in Taiwan. She has an enthusiastic and adventurous spirit, having walked around the entire island of Taiwan on foot!

Firas Hac Bergus

Firas graduated from Damascus University and worked as an English teacher in primary and secondary schools. He has also previously worked as a company translator. Currently, Firas works full-time as an English teacher at the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre.

Yaser Alhalo

Yaser is originally from Aleppo, Syria and moved to Reyhanli in Turkey three years ago to take care of his elderly parents. He is currently working at the Taiwan Centre as an all-round assistant.

Abdulrezzak Elnavvaz

Abdulrezzak is a former officer from Syria who has extensive experience in electrical work. He is currently employed as an electrician at the Taiwan Centre and provides assistance with circuit plumbing and other related tasks. His expertise and knowledge of electrical systems ensure that the centre’s electrical infrastructure is properly maintained and functioning optimally.

Jack Huang

Jack is from Taipei, Taiwan, and holds a master’s degree in Economics from SOAS, University of London. He has previously worked as a consultant in various functional teams, including trade & investment, information technology, and peacekeeping missions at the United Nations. In 2020, he co-founded “Eliconn,” a Taiwan-based startup that focuses on developing SDG-related projects and renewable energy. Since 2021, Jack has been providing consulting services and business strategy for the centre. He is a professional in climate financing, stakeholder engagement, and impact project management.

Saeb Akil

Saeb has thirty years of experience in music composition and performing arts, and is multilingual in Arabic, French, and English. He currently teaches Arabic and music to the children at the Taiwan Reyhanli Centre, using his talents to help children experience the warmth of music and heal from the pain of war through melody.

Imed Zua

Imed, a high school graduate from Aleppo, previously worked as a police officer in Syria before spending three years as an agricultural company employee in Antioch. He then worked as an agricultural care worker before joining the Taiwan Center, where he now takes care of agricultural production and plant care.

Zaki Diko

Zaki graduated from the School of Professional Physical Education. He has several years of experience working as a physical education teacher at a Canadian-funded non-profit organisation. He has now joined the Taiwan Centre team and is utilizing his expertise to guide children’s sports activities.

Meng-Hsuan Yang

Meng-Hsuan is a licensed architect and accredited quality control engineer from Taichung, Taiwan. He holds a master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Warwick. Marshall joined the centre team in 2022 and has been providing practical and professional advice on architecture design, construction monitoring, project management, as well as business model and plan development.

Mehmet Emin Dergi

Mehmet has previously worked in import and export international business. He currently holds the position of central commodity inventory administrator at the centre and also works as a security guard.

MHD Adnan Basal

MHD Adnan worked as a professional driver in Shabuis before reuniting with his wife in Turkey. He is currently employed at the Taiwan Centre, providing cleaning services. He takes pride in keeping the centre tidy and comfortable for everyone.