Hassan Ali Effendi, the first Consul General
of the Ottoman Empire in Sindh and founder
of Sindh Madressatul Islam University
Staff Reporter
Karachi: The Turkish Consulate General in Karachi, in collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute, hosted a special event titled “Love for Türkiye in Pakistan in the Context of Hassan Ali Effendi” to honor the legacy of Hassan Ali Effendi, the first Consul General of the Ottoman Empire in Sindh and founder of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU). The event celebrated his contributions to modern education in Sindh and the longstanding cultural ties between Türkiye and Pakistan.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcoming speech from Mr. Cemal Sangu, Consul General of Türkiye in Karachi. He highlighted Hassan Ali Effendi’s pivotal role in strengthening the bond between Türkiye and Pakistan, particularly in education and cultural exchange.
The academic session featured insightful discussions from renowned scholars, including:
- Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Professor of Urdu at Istanbul University, delivered an address in pure Urdu, discussing the deep-rooted historical ties between Türkiye and Pakistan. He shared insights from his book Journey of Friendship and Brotherhood, detailing centuries-old relations between the two nations.
- Dr. Fatima Hassan, Lecturer at Karachi University, recited her original poetry reflecting the cultural and heritage ties between the Pakistani and Turkish people. Her verses emphasized the spiritual bond through figures like Hazrat Ayyub Ansari, whose tomb in Istanbul holds a special place for both nations.
- Prof. Dr. Uzma Farman, Head of Urdu Department at Karachi University, explored the influence of figures like Effendi on the shared cultural history of Pakistan and Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of the Urdu language in shaping a new identity for Pakistan.
- Prof. Dr. Nigar Sajjad, former Head of Islamic Studies at Karachi University, examined the historical and religious connections between the two countries, tracing back to the Ghaznavids and the influence of the Ottoman Empire, particularly during the Khilafat Movement.
- Prof. Dr. Mujeeb Uddin Sahrai Memon, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, spoke about Effendi’s enduring legacy, emphasizing his role in fostering brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye. He announced plans to publish English translations of biographies on Effendi to make his life and contributions accessible to a global audience.
The keynote address by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, former Vice Chancellor of SMIU, focused on Effendi’s crucial role in shaping relations between Sindh and Türkiye during the late 19th century. He highlighted how Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founding father, was a student of Effendi and maintained a lifelong admiration for his mentor’s vision of education.
The event concluded with a heartfelt thanks by Prof. Dr. Shaista Effendi, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Effendi’s granddaughter. She expressed gratitude to the Turkish Consulate for commemorating her grandfather’s legacy and strengthening ties with the Effendi family both in Pakistan and abroad.
Following the program, guests enjoyed refreshments and high tea, engaging in further discussions about the rich cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
This celebration of Hassan Ali Effendi’s contributions underscored the historical significance of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, reinforcing the strong bond between the two brotherly nations.
