Turkish Cultural Institute Hosts International Poetry Festival in The Gambia

Diplomats, poets, and cultural enthusiasts gathered in Banjul for the International Poetry Night, organised by the Yunus Emre Institute to promote peace, friendship, and intercultural dialogue. The event featured poetry recitations in multiple languages and performances inspired by the works of Turkish poet Yunus Emre. Ambassadors, UN officials, academics, students, and members of the public attended the gathering. Organisers said the programme highlighted the unifying power of poetry and strengthened cultural ties and friendship between Türkiye and The Gambia.

Diplomats, poets, academics, and literature enthusiasts gathered in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, for the International Poetry Night, an event dedicated to promoting peace, friendship, cultural understanding, and shared human values through the power of poetry.
Organised by the Yunus Emre Institute, Türkiye’s cultural institute, the event brought together participants from different countries who recited poems in their native languages, creating a vibrant celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity.
The evening was inspired by the enduring message of renowned Turkish poet Yunus Emre, whose words continue to resonate across generations and borders. His famous call to humanity — “Come, let us be acquainted, let us make the task easy, let us love and be loved, the world shall be left to no one” — served as the central theme of the gathering.
Among the distinguished guests were Türkiye’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Fahri Türker Oba; European Union Ambassador Imma Roca Cortés; Cuban Ambassador Carmelina Ramírez Rodríguez; and Karl-Frédérick Paul, the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Members of the Writers' Association of The Gambia, university lecturers, students, artists, and members of the public also attended the event.
Adding a rich cultural dimension to the evening, acclaimed Gambian artist Mariama Cham performed musical pieces based on poems written by Yunus Emre. Her performances received enthusiastic applause from attendees and highlighted the timeless connection between poetry and music.
Speaking during the event, Talip Erdoğan, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute in Banjul, emphasized the ability of poetry and music to bring people together despite differences in language, nationality, or culture.
He noted that poetry and music represent a universal heritage that encourages dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among people. Erdoğan said the institute proudly carries the name of Yunus Emre, a symbol of love, tolerance, and human unity whose teachings remain relevant in today’s world.
He explained that the gathering was intended to strengthen bonds of peace and friendship by creating a space where people from different cultural backgrounds could share their voices and experiences. According to him, the event reflected Yunus Emre’s vision of a world built on understanding, compassion, and coexistence.
The International Poetry Night also served as a platform for intercultural dialogue, allowing participants to engage with diverse literary traditions and cultural perspectives through poetry. By bringing together voices from different nations in one venue, the event demonstrated how artistic expression can transcend borders and foster meaningful connections among people.
Organisers said the programme further strengthened the longstanding friendship between Türkiye and The Gambia while showcasing the role of culture as a bridge between nations.
The Yunus Emre Institute in Banjul continues to promote cultural exchange through Turkish language courses, artistic programmes, educational initiatives, and cultural events aimed at deepening mutual understanding and reinforcing the ties between Türkiye and The Gambia.