By Sainabou Sambou
Diplomats, poets, and cultural enthusiasts gathered under the warm Friday evening lights at the Yunus Emre Institute in Kololi for a memorable International Poetry Evening dedicated to peace, friendship, and cross-cultural understanding.
Organized jointly by the Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye and the Yunus Emre Institute, the event, themed “Come, Let Us Get Acquainted,” transformed the institute’s venue into a vibrant space of literary and artistic expression. Attendees celebrated the universal language of poetry and music as powerful tools for bridging divides and nurturing global harmony in a world often marked by conflict.
His Excellency Fahri Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to The Gambia, delivered inspiring remarks, describing the gathering as “a nice evening of culture” that underscores the vital role of cultural diplomacy in building lasting peace.
“The Yunus Emre Institute has been operating in The Gambia for over a year now and has made significant contributions to cultural exchange. We have many more activities planned for the future,” Ambassador Oba said.
He paid special tribute to the 13th-century Turkish poet and Sufi mystic Yunus Emre, whose philosophy of love, tolerance, and human connection remains profoundly relevant today.
“His philosophy of peace is something we should nurture every day, especially when we see what is happening in the world,” the Ambassador noted. He expressed gratitude to all guests for their participation, highlighting the evening as a valuable opportunity for meaningful interaction and appreciation of diverse cultures through poetry and music.
Ambassador Oba warmly welcomed a distinguished audience that included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau, the Ambassador of Morocco, the European Union Ambassador, the Chinese Deputy Ambassador, Ram Mohan (Dean of the Honorary Council), Mr. Mastri, and Madam Maha of the Lebanese Honorary Council, and other guests.
True to the spirit of the occasion, Ambassador Oba himself participated by reciting a poem, joining fellow diplomats and attendees in heartfelt performances that showcased literature’s ability to transcend borders.
Talip Erdogan, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in The Gambia, delivered welcoming remarks that captured the essence of the gathering.
“This is a special occasion where cultures and hearts meet,” he said
“Guided by the universal heritage of poetry and music, we aim to strengthen the bonds of peace, friendship, and mutual understanding.”
Quoting the wisdom of Yunus Emre, Erdogan continued: “As an institute proudly named after Yunus Emre, the epitome of love and tolerance, we remember his timeless call to humanity: ‘Come, let us get acquainted, let us make things easy, let us love and be loved, for this world belongs to no one forever.’”
He expressed pride in the institute’s mission to echo this message in The Gambia by uniting voices from different languages and traditions, hoping poetry would serve as a bridge to bring hearts closer together.
The evening featured a rich tapestry of poetic recitals. The Ambassador of Morocco recited verses by Ben Ibrahim Al-Marrakshi, famously known as the “Poet of the Red City.” The Deputy Ambassador of China shared one of the earliest poems in Chinese literary history, while Imma Roca, Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia, contributed a poem that enriched the cultural exchange.
Gambian artist Marayam Cham delivered a musical highlight, a captivating performance that resonated deeply with the audience, blending local talent with the international flavor of the night.
The International Poetry Evening for Peace exemplified how cultural institutions and diplomatic missions can collaborate to promote dialogue and understanding. As global tensions persist, such initiatives remind us of the enduring power of art and literature to foster empathy and unity among nations.
