Lansing, Michigan, has recently taken a bold step to deepen its international connections by establishing a sister city relationship with Eskişehir, a vibrant city located in  Türkiye. This exciting development highlights Lansing’s commitment to cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and economic opportunities on a global scale.

The Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Turkish Resource Center North America worked collaboratively to make this partnership a reality. Leading this initiative was Ms. Nurten Ural, who played a pivotal role in bringing the two cities together. Representing both organizations, Ms. Ural spearheaded the discussions, aligned objectives, and ensured that the partnership would flourish. Her dedication to fostering Turkish-American relations has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Lansing and Eskişehir and laying the groundwork for meaningful exchanges.

Why Eskişehir?

Known as the “student city” of Türkiye, Eskişehir boasts a rich cultural heritage, a strong industrial base, and two prominent universities—Anadolu University and Eskişehir Osmangazi University. The city’s innovative spirit and emphasis on education make it a perfect partner for Lansing, a city with its own deep roots in academia, government, and entrepreneurship. This relationship sets the stage for both cities to share best practices in urban development, innovation, and community engagement.

The Role of Ms. Nurten Ural

Ms. Nurten Ural, a seasoned advocate for Turkish-American relations, was the lead player in this historic agreement. Working on behalf of both the Turkish Chambers and the Turkish Resource Center North America, she brought her extensive experience in cultural diplomacy and her passion for building connections to this initiative. Through her leadership, the two cities found common ground and charted a path forward for collaboration. Ms. Ural’s efforts were instrumental in ensuring the success of the sister-city partnership.

Signing the Protocol

This historic sister city agreement was formalized on December 12, 2024, when Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Eskişehir Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce signed the protocol. The signing ceremony marked a new chapter in fostering international collaboration and mutual growth, with Ms. Ural present to witness the culmination of her work.

What’s Next?

Plans are already underway for joint initiatives, including:

• Student and Educator Exchanges: Both cities are exploring programs to send students and teachers abroad to experience each other’s educational systems and cultural traditions.
• Business Delegations: Entrepreneurs and business leaders from Lansing and Eskişehir will participate in trade missions to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism.
• Cultural Events: Expect a series of cultural celebrations in both cities, including festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary showcases that highlight the unique heritage of Eskişehir and Lansing.

Building Bridges for the Future

This sister city relationship is more than just a symbolic connection; it’s a bridge between two communities eager to learn from one another. By fostering international friendships and collaborations, Lansing and Eskişehir are setting a remarkable example of how cities can work together to promote global understanding and mutual prosperity.

The Turkish Chambers, the Turkish Resource Center North America, and Ms. Nurten Ural are excited to see this partnership flourish. Stay tuned for more updates as Lansing and Eskişehir embark on this promising journey of connection and collaboration.

— Turkish Chambers – Commerce & Industry