First lady inaugurates Valide Sultans Manuscripts exhibition

Turkiye’s first lady Emine Erdogan and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy attended the opening ceremony of the “Valide Sultans Manuscripts Exhibition” at the Rami Library

The Presidency of the Manuscripts Institution unveiled 59 works belonging to the sultan’s mothers to visitors at the Eyüpsultan Rami Library as part of the Valide Sultans Manuscripts Exhibition. First lady Emine Erdogan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, President of the Manuscripts Authority Prof. Dr. Ferruh Ozpilavci and other guests attended the opening of the exhibition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Erdogan stated that the Rami Library, converted from barracks just one year ago, has transformed into a thriving cultural and meeting center. She emphasized the significance of reconnecting historical buildings with contemporary life and strengthening their role in social memory. Erdogan underscored that this effort is crucial for cultural continuity and the preservation of historical significance.

“As we enter a new century in our Republic, we dream of becoming a plane tree that maintains its ties with its ancient past, shapes the future, and whose roots are deep and branches reach the sky,” Emine Erdogan said.

Speaking at the exhibition, Ersoy emphasized the significance of manuscripts as crucial cultural assets.

“Many statesmen have contributed to the manuscripts, which have been carefully produced, read, and protected for centuries to reach the present day. Many prominent figures from the sultans, princes, viziers, statesmen, scholars and penmen, especially the sultans, have contributed to the creation of valuable collections,” Ersoy said.

Erdoğan expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the manuscripts institution for compiling these treasured works and making them available to citizens.

Following the speeches at the ceremony, Ersoy presented Erdogan with a facsimile of the Mushaf-i Sharif, which was specially written by Sheikh Hamdullah for the recitation of Sultan Bayezid II. Erdogan and Ersoy cut the ribbon together with the other participants and opened the exhibition. Erdogan then toured the exhibition and learned about the works from Ozpilavci.

Source: Newsroom