Turkish envoy to Beijing advocates for joint Türkiye-China university

In a speech delivered at the third International Literature Academy Deans Forum held in China, Türkiye’s Ambassador to China Ismail Hakki Musa called for the establishment of a joint university between Türkiye and China.

The recent advancements in the positive relations between Türkiye and China have resurfaced following Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to China.

Historical ties and cultural exchange

At the forum, organized by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Beijing Lao She Literature Academy, Ambassador Musa highlighted the historical ties between Türkiye and China dating back to the Silk Road.

He noted that the two cultures have been intertwined through trade, philosophy, art, and literature for centuries.

It is our responsibility to educate the new generations about the Turkish and Chinese civilizations and their connections,

Türkiye’s Ambassador to China Musa

Musa underscored the belief that the rich literary heritage of both countries would contribute to the development of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. He emphasized that such interactions would allow both nations to appreciate each other’s history and culture better.

Growing interest in Chinese language in Turkish universities

Musa pointed out that universities and research institutes in Türkiye offer comprehensive programs in Chinese literature, philosophy, and history, alongside Chinese language instruction. He mentioned that Chinese is taught in 10 universities in Türkiye and is also available as an elective subject in secondary education.

Highlighting the establishment of four Confucius Institutes at Middle East Technical University, Bogazici University, Istanbul Yeditepe University, and Istanbul Okan University, Musa noted that Türkiye had inaugurated the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Beijing in 2021.

Proposal for joint university

Musa emphasized the significance of enhancing academic dialogue between think tanks, research centers and universities in terms of global and regional influence and strategic partnership.

Türkiye and China should establish a joint university and create funds for collaborative academic projects

Türkiye’s Ambassador to China Musa

Musa suggested organizing joint seminars, conferences and workshops with the participation of distinguished sinologists from Türkiye and proposed the publication of joint journals in both languages. He stressed that establishing mechanisms for academic and cultural cooperation would foster interaction among scholars and experts, benefiting both countries.

Expressing satisfaction with the cooperation agreement signed between Türkiye’s Kirmizi Kedi Publishing House and the Beijing Lao She Literature Academy, Musa remarked that this partnership would enable Turkish literary masterpieces to reach Chinese readers and vice versa.

Concluding his speech, Musa expressed his hope for increased collaboration in literature, culture, and arts between Türkiye and China in the future.