Ankara (TDI): Turkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdogan recently completed a cultural diplomacy tour, visiting Kyrgyzstan and Hungary to strengthen Turkiye’s cultural ties with both nations.
Beginning her journey on November 5 in Kyrgyzstan, she attended the 11th Summit of the Turkic Council in Bishkek alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, concluding her trip on November 7 in Hungary.
In Kyrgyzstan, Emine Erdogan’s visit was marked by engagements that underscored Türkiye’s commitment to fostering cultural bonds.
At the Kyrgyz Republic National History Museum, accompanied by Kyrgyz First Lady Aygül Caparova and Hungary’s First Lady Aniko Levai, she explored the rich tapestry of Kyrgyz culture through an exhibit showcasing over 130,000 artifacts.
Another notable stop was the Divanu Lugati’t-Türk exhibition, a celebration of the historical ties within the Turkic world.
The Kyrgyz First Lady extended warm hospitality, joining Erdoğan at various key events, including a tour of the Maarif Foundation School, a lunch and dinner at Ala Archa State Residence, and a visit to the National Maternal and Child Health Services Center.
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At the Shubina Music School, a choir performance of Turkish, Hungarian, and Kyrgyz songs celebrated unity among the three countries.
Emine Erdoğan also launched the Bilim Bishkek Innovation Center in collaboration with the T3 Foundation and TIKA, underscoring Türkiye’s support for educational and technological advancements in Kyrgyzstan.
Emine Erdoğan expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception in Kyrgyzstan, sharing how her visit had fostered lasting memories and strengthened the bonds between the two nations.
“Every step enriched our bond, letting us experience the ancient soul of Kyrgyz culture,” she said.
Emine Erdogan’s Hungary Visit
In Hungary, Erdoğan’s visit continued to emphasize cultural diplomacy.
In Budapest, she attended an event at the Gül Baba Tomb, which was restored in 2018 by TIKA and the Hungarian government.
She participated in the launch of “Gül Baba and Religious Heritage in Ottoman Hungary”, a book by architect Mehmet Emin Yılmaz that celebrates the legacy of the 14th-century Ottoman poet and dervish Gül Baba.
Emine Erdoğan described the book as “a meaningful work that will guide future generations and build bridges of friendship.”
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Reflecting on the historical significance of Gül Baba, she noted, “The path of Gül Baba, a Bektashi dervish, has transformed into a symbol of unity between our two nations.”
In her remarks at the tomb, she commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Türkiye-Hungary Friendship Treaty, calling the tomb “a testament to our shared values from the Ottoman era to today.”
Through her engagements, Emine Erdoğan highlighted the enduring cultural and historical ties that bind Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Hungary.
