The Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center has been officially inaugurated at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad on December 26, 2024, to enhance cultural and educational ties between Turkiye and Pakistan.
The inauguration ceremony at AIOU was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Irfan Neziroğlu and country head of Yunus Emre Institute Pakistan, Halil Tokar and Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood. They were joined by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh.
The newly established Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Islamabad joins two other centers already functioning in Lahore and Karachi, marking a substantial step towards strengthening the cultural cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan.
Ambassador Neziroğlu, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of such cultural exchange initiatives. “Our Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad continue to contribute significantly to our mutual understanding and cultural cooperation,” he said.
Professors, students and Turkish friends were joined by Chancellor Virtual University Prof. Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti; Chancellor of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology. Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari; Chancellor PMAS-Arid Agriculture University. Dr. Muhammad Naeem and Chairperson Pakistan Academy of Literature Prof. Dr. Najeeba Arif.
New Bridge for Turkiye-Pakistan cultural exchange
At the inauguration, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü’s Country Director, Professor Dr. Halil Toker, highlighted the unique position Pakistan holds in Turkey’s cultural diplomacy. “Pakistan is the only country where three branches of the Pak-Turk Culture Center have been established. This is a testament to the importance of our relationship,” Dr. Toker said.
He also shared the Institute’s vision for the new center, which aims to promote Turkish culture, language, and arts in Pakistan. “We are teaching Turkish to students who plan to travel to Turkey, ensuring they won’t face language barriers when they arrive,” he explained.
In his speech, Dr. Toker also spoke about the expanded scope of the cultural center. “In addition to Turkish language courses, we will be offering unique classes in Turkish calligraphy and archery,” he added. Furthermore, Dr. Toker shared the Institute’s commitment to providing scholarships to Pakistani PhD scholars, encouraging research into the shared cultural and historical values of Pakistan and Turkey.
Education as a Bridge between Cultures
The event was also graced by key political figures who underscored the significance of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in fostering deeper cultural and educational ties.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, praised the role of education in national development and its power to build bridges between nations. He pointed to China’s success in reducing poverty through education and the importance of inclusive educational initiatives in Pakistan. “Institutions like AIOU are playing a pivotal role in bridging the educational gap in Pakistan, and the establishment of the Yunus Emre Institute here is a milestone in strengthening our bilateral ties,” said Sheikh.
“The Yunus Emre Institute has a global reputation for promoting the Turkish language, culture, and the shared Turkish-Islamic heritage. This collaboration with AIOU will undoubtedly deepen the historic bonds between our two nations and open new avenues for cultural and academic exchange,” he added.
Yunus Emre Institute partnership with Allama Iqbal Open University
The Vice Chancellor of AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, welcomed the collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute, highlighting the university’s long-standing commitment to promoting global partnerships and inclusive education. He expressed confidence that the new center would enrich AIOU’s academic and cultural environment, providing students with the opportunity to explore the deep historical and cultural connections between Pakistan and Turkey.
“We are proud to host the Yunus Emre Institute at AIOU, as it will not only introduce Turkish language and culture to our students but also help them understand Turkey’s profound influence on Islamic civilization,” said Prof. Mahmood.
The Ambassador of Turkey, Dr. Irfan Neziroğlu, also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration. He noted that the Turkish government’s initiative through the Yunus Emre Institute was a reflection of the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations. “This partnership is a testament to our friendship with Pakistan and our shared cultural heritage,” he said.
Yunus Emre Institute
The Yunus Emre Institute, operating under Turkey’s Ministry of Culture, has established a global presence with over 80 branches worldwide. Committed to promoting Turkish language and culture, the institute offers free online Turkish language courses. Since its inception in 2009, it has successfully taught Turkish to over 1 million people, reaching students across 200 countries.
With the inauguration of its new center at AIOU, the Institute aims to further deepen cultural and linguistic exchanges between Pakistan and Turkey. As the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers continue to grow in Pakistan, both countries are poised to benefit from this new chapter of cultural cooperation, building bridges of understanding and friendship for future generations.