This year, ISKCON Turkiye hosted Bhakti Camp, attracting over a hundred devotees from Europe and the Middle East to a forest retreat near Istanbul. The camp provided an opportunity for spiritual growth and community engagement. Led by Zonal Supervisor Nrsimha Krishna Das, the theme was “Stronger Together,” which emphasized unity and collaboration among participants. Nrsimha Krishna noted that the event was organized with the involvement of various departments, contributing to its smooth operation.

The camp’s history has been one of steady growth and adaptation. From its early days as a small, local gathering, it has become an international celebration of Krishna consciousness. This year, the team adopted a new organizational approach, delegating tasks across different departments. Nrsimha Krishna’s decision to distribute responsibilities helped cultivate a strong sense of teamwork. “When I saw the devotees working together, cooperating, it made me so happy,” he said.

Set in a secluded forest hotel, the camp provided a peaceful environment away from Istanbul’s bustling city life. One of the hotel’s meeting rooms was transformed into a temple, hosting morning mangal arati, daily seminars, and evening kirtans. “In that place, it became Vrindavan for a week,” Nrsimha Krishna noted, describing the immersive atmosphere that allowed devotees to feel a deep connection with their spiritual practice.

Seminars and classes led by senior leaders, including Sivarama Swami, Bhaktipada Goswami, Manjari Devi Dasi, and Radha Govinda Das, provided key spiritual teachings throughout the camp. Sivarama Swami’s classes emphasized the significance of following the spiritual master, aligning with the camp’s theme of unity. “Sivarama Swami’s classes…were about the importance of the spiritual master and following his orders. And this was a very good match with the theme of being ‘Stronger Together,’” Nrsimha Krishna explained.

Bhaktipada Goswami expanded on the importance of humility in devotional life, adding depth to the camp’s teachings. At the same time, Radha Govinda’s seminars on Bhagavad Gita 4.34 reinforced humility and the disciple’s approach to the guru. Manjari also gave enlightening seminars on Krishna’s beauty and held four private sanga sessions for the ladies, fostering an intimate space for deep spiritual discussion and connection. “It was excellent, and it connected to Sivarama Swami’s classes as well,” Nrsimha Krishna added.

The evening kirtans, led by kirtaniyas Harinarayan Dasa and Jitendriya Das from Hungary, added a transformative element to the camp, fulfilling the purpose of the gathering. The final night’s kirtan, led by Sivarama Swami, was particularly moving. “That night, it was out of this world… Maharaj was singing for two hours,” Nrsimha Krishna recalled. “Most of the devotees were crying; it was so emotional.”

Organizing the camp presented challenges unique to Turkey, where Krishna consciousness is still relatively new. Finding a location that would allow for full kitchen usage was one such challenge, as Turkish hotels generally have strict regulations on food services. However, with careful planning, the team secured a hotel that allowed devotees to prepare their prasadam, a vital aspect of any ISKCON event.

The camp attracted participants from countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Dubai, fostering a multicultural environment that enriched the overall experience. Nrsimha Krishna and his team are already planning next year’s event, considering a larger venue in southern Turkey to accommodate even more attendees. “If we have a big place, I will definitely encourage devotees to come,” he said.

ISKCON Turkiye’s Bhakti Camp has become a significant event for the international devotee community, providing an opportunity to deepen spiritual practice and strengthen bonds with fellow practitioners. “Devotees are already waiting for the next year, just from now…the camp finished, and we already started to have dreams about next year,” said Nrsimha Krishna.

ISKCON Turkiye invites devotees worldwide to stay connected through Goranga Yoga’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel, where recordings from the seminars and kirtans are available. The organizers hope to build on this year’s success, sharing the camp’s inspiration with an even wider audience and continuing their mission to strengthen and unite the devotee community.