German President Steinmeier visits the Museum of Innocence with Orhan Pamuk

German President Steinmeier's first stop on his official visit to mark the 100th anniversary of the Turkish-German Friendship Treaty was Istanbul.

This visit, Steinmeier's first in his capacity as President, is seen as an indicator of the continuity of high-level contacts with Germany.

At an event held at the German Embassy's historic summer residence in Tarabya, where he hosted figures from the business, journalism, political, and sports worlds, Steinmeier met with the 11th President Abdullah Gül, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, and Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioğlu. Following the program in Tarabya, Steinmeier arrived at the Museum of Innocence in Beyoğlu.

Steinmeier chatted for a while with author Orhan Pamuk, who greeted him at the door, and then toured the museum.

'STOP THE MASSACRE'

During the visit, a sign in German reading "Mr. Federal President, stop the massacre in Gaza" was hung in the window of an antique shop across from the museum, which also displayed Palestinian and Turkish flags.

As Steinmeier arrived at the museum, the song "Leve Palestina" (Long Live Palestine) was played loudly from the shop.

??German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Museum of Innocence with author Orhan Pamuk. As Steinmeier arrived at the museum, the song 'Leve Palestina' (Long Live Palestine) was played loudly from the shop. pic.twitter.com/s3q2uxSCWt

— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) April 23, 2024

Steinmeier left the museum after his 1-hour visit.