In the heart of Ayvalık, an inspiring cultural project continues to shape lives and create opportunities for young artists. The Ayvalık International Music Academy (AIMA), founded in 1998 by pianist, musicologist and academic Prof. Filiz Ali, began as a modest initiative with just 20 students. Today, it has grown into a globally recognized institution that nurtures talent, fosters cultural dialogue and supports social transformation through music.
What started in the garden of the Boyner family’s Cunda residence has, over 27 years, become not just a school but a platform where young people express themselves, pursue their dreams and introduce Turkey to the world. Supported by Boyner Holding and personally championed by Ümit Boyner, AIMA represents the intersection of art, education and community responsibility.
AIMA’s Cultural Impact
The academy has hosted international instructors and produced talented musicians who now perform on global stages. AIMA is not only an institution of learning but also a symbol of Ayvalık’s cultural identity. The concerts of young musicians, like cellist Dilbağ Tokay and pianist Emine Serdaroğlu recently performed in Cunda, are living proof of its success.
As journalist Şirin Sever noted in her column, the pride on Ümit Boyner’s face and the excitement of the young performers brought warmth and hope amid the country’s challenging social climate.
Ümit Boyner on Corporate Values and Social Change
During the event, Ümit Boyner welcomed guests at the historic Boyner House in Cunda, surrounded by olive trees and the Aegean Sea. While offering hospitality, she also shared insights into AIMA’s role and the broader social commitments embraced by Boyner Group.
“Today, companies’ values and achievements are no longer limited to financial profit or annual turnover growth. Businesses must work responsibly toward their employees, their customers, their communities and their country,” Boyner said.
She emphasized that the company’s focus spans from environmental sustainability to education and, most significantly, gender equality. Women’s empowerment remains central to Boyner Group’s mission, as they continue to support initiatives that promote equality in both professional and social life.
The Struggle for Women’s Equality in Turkey
Boyner highlighted sobering statistics:
Women’s labor force participation in Turkey stands at 35.5%, compared to a global average of 46.4%.
Among university-educated women, 36.6% are either unemployed or unable to sustain careers.
In the first six months of 2025, the Domestic Violence Emergency Hotline received 1,736 calls, 94.3% of them from women.
The most reported forms of violence were psychological (37.78%) and physical (36.20%) abuse.
Boyner stressed the urgent need for Turkey to rejoin the Istanbul Convention, eliminate impunity for perpetrators, ensure women’s equal representation in decision-making bodies and expand educational opportunities for girls.
She also underscored that men must play an active role in supporting equality, highlighting that societal transformation requires participation from all genders.
Editorial Note
The story of AIMA is not just about music—it is about resilience, community and the transformative power of art. With dedicated supporters like Ümit Boyner, the academy illustrates how cultural projects can become engines of social change. At the same time, Boyner’s emphasis on women’s empowerment serves as a reminder that progress in education and equality must accompany artistic and cultural achievements.
Together, these efforts create a narrative of pride, hope and responsibility—values that transcend Ayvalık and resonate across Turkey.
