Consul General of Türkiye Cemal Sangu proclaimed the profound bond shared between Pakistan and Türkiye, stating that it transcends mere words and verbal expressions of love. According to Sangu, the relationship uniting the Turkish and Pakistani people is “deeper than the oceans and higher than K2.”
The declaration came during a seminar titled “Influence of Turkish History on Urdu Literature and Journalism,” held on Thursday at the University of Karachi’s KU Audio Visual Centre. The event also celebrated the completion of a one-year Turkish language certificate course organized by the Yunus Emre Enstitusu of Turkish Language. Sangu elaborated on the power of language as not only a tool for personal connection but as a vital link between cultures and nations.
He expressed pride in the students who, having completed the Turkish language course, were now capable of conducting entire events in Turkish, showcasing their enthusiasm for the language. Additionally, Sangu spoke about the various scholarships Türkiye offers to Pakistani students, which include financial aid, tuition coverage, accommodation support, health insurance, and chances for cultural and academic engagement. He encouraged students to take full advantage of these opportunities and to spread awareness among peers to enhance participation. KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi emphasized that mastering a language is more than just an academic feat; it plays a crucial role in understanding a nation’s culture, history, and people. He congratulated the certificate recipients and acknowledged the contributions of Professor Dr. Tanzeemul Firdous and her team at the Yunus Emre Enstitusu. Iraqi noted that learning a new language serves as a powerful medium for exchanging ideas and relationships, urging students to explore multiple languages alongside their chosen academic paths. Professor Dr. Shaista Tabassum, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at KU, remarked on the dedication required to master a language.
She underscored the importance of Turkish proficiency as a gateway to understanding the rich history and culture of Türkiye. From a historical viewpoint, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Shafiq from KU’s Department of Islamic History discussed the challenges of Turkish language education in Pakistan, highlighting that despite the shared heritage, language has often been a barrier.
He stressed the need to grasp Central Asian history and the cultural dynamics of the Turkish people through language learning. Dr. Rana Khalid Mahmood presented insights on the influence of contemporary Turkish history on early 20th-century Urdu journalism, noting that linguistic differences have obstructed mutual understanding, while history and journalism have served as essential mediums for bridging these gaps. Further contributions included Assistant Professor Dr. Nadia Raheel from the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, who discussed the significance of Urdu translations of Turkish novels, highlighting how languages and literature enrich one another.
Professor Dr. Tanzeemul Firdous, the focal person for Yunus Emre Enstitusu at KU, acknowledged the university’s pioneering role in Turkish language education within Pakistan. As the event concluded, Consul General Sangu and Vice Chancellor Iraqi presented certificates to the delighted students, celebrating their journey in mastering the Turkish language.
