Ambassador to Beijing Musa calls for academic and cultural cooperation with China

Turkey's Ambassador to Beijing İsmail Hakkı Musa spoke at the 3rd International Forum of Literature Academy Deans, organized by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Beijing Lao She Literature Academy.

Pointing out that Turkey and China have a long history of interaction dating back to the Silk Road, and that the two cultures have been intertwined for centuries through trade, philosophy, art, and literature, Musa said, "It is our responsibility to teach Turkish and Chinese civilizations and the bonds between them to new generations."

Musa stated his belief that the rich literary heritage of both countries would contribute to the development of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding, emphasizing that this would allow the two peoples to get to know each other better in the fields of history and culture.

Noting that universities and research institutes in Turkey offer comprehensive programs in Chinese literature, philosophy, and history in addition to Chinese language instruction, Musa explained that Chinese is taught at 10 universities in Turkey and is also offered as an elective course in secondary education.

Musa stated that 4 Confucius Institutes have been established in Turkey at Middle East Technical University, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul Yeditepe University, and Istanbul Okan University, and that Turkey launched the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Beijing in 2021.

TURKEY AND CHINA SHOULD ESTABLISH A UNIVERSITY TOGETHER

Pointing to the importance of developing academic dialogue between think tanks, research centers, and universities in terms of the two countries' global and regional weight and strategic partnership, Musa said, "Turkey and China should establish a university together and create funds for joint academic studies."

Musa expressed that there are valuable researchers working in the field of Sinology in Turkey, and suggested that joint seminars, conferences, and workshops around specific themes could be organized with their participation, and that joint journals could be published in both languages.

Noting that creating cooperation mechanisms in the academic and cultural fields would provide interaction between academics and experts, Musa emphasized that this would benefit both sides.

Stating that they welcome the cooperation agreement signed between Kırmızı Kedi Publishing in Turkey and the Beijing Lao She Literature Academy, Musa said that through this, leading works of Turkish literature could reach Chinese readers, and works of Chinese literature could reach Turkish readers.

Musa concluded his remarks by stating that they hope to witness more cooperation between Turkey and China in the fields of literature, culture, and art in the future.

News Source: AA