Monday, 25 May 2026
Turkish ambassador to Egypt encourages cultural exchange through Turkish poetry, literature
Cairo, Egypt – Turkish Ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Şen, emphasized the importance of cultural and literary connections between Turkey and Egypt in a heartfelt message shared on his social media platforms today.
Ambassador Şen expressed gratitude to Dr. Asuman Akay for training hundreds of Egyptian students in Turkology—a field focused on the study of Turkish language, literature, and culture.
Dr. Akay was commended for promoting Turkish literature with a special focus on the poetry of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, notably his collection Divine Love presented in the Yunus Emre tradition.
The ambassador emphasized how poets like Kaygusuz Abdal have continued Yunus Emre’s spiritual legacy and brought it to Egypt, creating a bridge between the two cultures. He encouraged Egyptian students studying Turkish language and literature to explore these influential figures, noting that such study is key to understanding the spiritual world of Turkish and Anatolian heritage.
Ambassador Şen also recommended delving into the works of three prominent Turkish writers and poets—Mehmet Akif, Necip Fazıl, and Nazim Hikmet. He noted that understanding their unique yet sometimes interconnected styles and perspectives is essential for gaining insights into modern Turkey in the 20th century.
The ambassador’s message reflects growing interest in deepening cultural ties and mutual understanding through the study of literature. As students from both countries engage in cultural exploration, the bonds between Turkey and Egypt continue to strengthen.