A visit to the Yunus Emre Institute

A long planed event could finally take place on March 9th and a group of 14 SHOM members had the possibility to visit the Head Quarter of the Yunus Emre Institute in Ankara.

Warmely welcomed by the two cultural heads and the director of the institute itself we first had the chance to have a tour in the historical building in the heart of old Ankara. Its architecture and view, to the old Ziraat Bank, is extraordinary and quite unique for Ankara. Therefore many of the guest didn't miss this opportunity to take pictures.

The cultural head of the Yunus Emre Institute tpresented the YEI with its aims, doings and h mucisians introduced us to traditional Turkish music. On this occasion many of us have seen and heard a kanun for the first time.

The cultural head of the Yunus Emre Institute then presented the YEI with its aims and doings. We learned about the different fields of activity and probably heard the term "food diplomacy" for the first time.

Each of us after got a generous gift, a beautiful picture with one of the poet's saying, an agenda with lots of informative facts about Turkey and a token on the occasion of International Women's Day.

The last part of the tour was a visit to the small exhibition about "The Roots of the Turkish House" in the backyard of the institute. Unfortunately the weather was not at all ideal for staying outside, it even started to snow, therefore we gathered around the heaters and could now witness the food diplomacy of the Yunus Emre Institute. Such delicious treats! The Institue truly promotes Turkey from its best side.

Thank you very much for this interesting and hospitable visit!