Deep Pakistan-Türkiye Bond Highlighted at KU Seminar on Turkish Language and History

The event also marked the certificate distribution

ceremony for a one-year Turkish language course

organized by the Yunus Emre Enstitusu at the KU

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The profound bond between Pakistan and Türkiye transcends words, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect. These sentiments were expressed by Türkiye’s Consul General, Cemal Sangu, during a seminar titled “Influence of Turkish History on Urdu Literature and Journalism.” The event also marked the certificate distribution ceremony for a one-year Turkish language course organized by the Yunus Emre Enstitusu at the University of Karachi (KU).

Language as a Bridge Between Nations

Addressing the audience at KU’s Audio Visual Centre, Cemal Sangu highlighted the pivotal role of language in connecting individuals, cultures, and nations. He praised the students who completed the Turkish language course, noting their ability to conduct the entire event in Turkish, which reflects their dedication and enthusiasm.

Scholarship Opportunities for Pakistani Students

The Consul General also discussed Türkiye’s extensive scholarship programs for Pakistani students, covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and cultural engagement opportunities. He urged students to take advantage of these programs and spread awareness to encourage participation.

KU Vice Chancellor’s Address

KU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, congratulated the certificate recipients and lauded the efforts of Professor Dr. Tanzeemul Firdous and her team. He emphasized that mastering a language is a gateway to understanding a nation’s culture, history, and people. Dr. Iraqi encouraged students to pursue language learning alongside their degree programs.

Exploring the Historical Connection

Other speakers shed light on the historical ties between Pakistan and Türkiye:

• Professor Dr. Shaista Tabassum highlighted the time and dedication needed to master a language and its importance for cultural understanding.
• Dr. Muhammad Sohail Shafiq from KU’s Department of Islamic History discussed the teaching of the Turkish language in Pakistan and emphasized its role in understanding Central Asian history and culture.
• Dr. Rana Khalid Mahmood presented a paper on the influence of contemporary Turkish history on early 20th-century Urdu journalism.
• Dr. Nadia Raheel from the Federal Urdu University focused on the Urdu translations of Turkish novels, showcasing how literature strengthens ties between languages.

Recognition of Efforts

KU’s focal person for the Yunus Emre Enstitusu, Professor Dr. Tanzeemul Firdous, acknowledged KU’s pioneering role in Turkish language education in Pakistan.

The ceremony concluded with Consul General Cemal Sangu and Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi distributing certificates to the graduates, celebrating their achievement in mastering the Turkish language.