The closing ceremony of the ninth Turkish Summer School, and the first-ever Turkish Cinema Summer School, was held in Istanbul.
The ceremony was conducted with the participations of Prof. Şeref Ateş, President of Yunus Emre Institute, Prof. Peyami Çelikcan, Vice Chancellor of İstanbul Şehir University, and Prof. Musa Yıldız, member of the Science Committee of the institute. The 23 young filmmakers from 20 different countries were among the 1000 international students from an overall 118 different countries around the world, who came together for the closing processions of the Turkish Summer Schools programmes.
The international guests reflected their cultural and individual differences through the artistic work Hand in Hand for a Beautiful World, prepared specifically for the 9th Turkish Summer School programme. Students painted the fabric canvas with their hands under the guidance and management of artist Şafak Tavkul, and the work was exhibited to the prestigious guests at the event, blending into the silhouettes of Istanbul.
“Winning the heart of one individual is worth the whole world”
Prof. Şeref Ateş, President of the Institute, who gave the opening speech of the event pointed out that the Turkish Summer School is one of the most exclusive elements in the cultural diplomacy activities of the Institute in order to contribute to the international cultural relations of Turkey.
Highlighting the fact that the programme hosted young people from all over the world, regardless of their religion, language or race, Prof. Ateş addressed the participants with the following words:
“Dear young people! We invited you over here to leave your mark in an effort to make our world more beautiful. The only goal of Yunus Emre Institute is to ensure that world cultures are reflected in all their colours equally and fairly. I would like to express my sincere thanks to you, the young people, who have come from 118 different countries to Turkey, for your active participation in all the activities and lessons and for believing in the idea of ‘hand in hand for world peace’.”
The event continued with a concert by the famous Turkish singer Yusuf Güney, who gave the young people an unforgettable night with his performances. Güney also accompanied Derya, a student from Kirkuk University, who sang the folk song Gesi Bağları on stage.
