Chidinma Iroegbu
Nigeria and Turkey strengthened cultural ties on Tuesday as writers, cultural leaders, and artists gathered for a Turkish–Nigerian poetry exchange aimed at promoting peace and mutual understanding.
The event, organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü in Abuja, brought together poets to celebrate shared human values through literature and arts.
Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, said the gathering underscored the long-standing cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkey, adding that poetry serves as a vital tool for intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding.
Audu noted that while Turkish poetry is rooted in Anatolian mysticism, Nigerian poetry reflects post-colonial realities, identity, and nation-building. “Both traditions converge in their advocacy for justice and harmony,” he said.
Abuja Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Fatih Erkin Mahdum, said the institute has promoted Turkish language, arts, and culture in Nigeria since 2021, while encouraging collaborations with Nigerian creatives to deepen cultural understanding.
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Diplomatic representatives also participated in the event. Mrs Florence Nzako, Counsellor at the Democratic Republic of Congo Embassy, and Solveig Andresen of the Norwegian Embassy greeted participants, wishing them an enjoyable and productive poetry recital.
Poets performed works centred on peace, love, exile, and resilience, drawing symbolic parallels between the Bosphorus and the Niger River to emphasise unity and the power of artistic expression to bridge cultures.
Director-General and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Kattumu Bulama Gana, said collaboration through the arts offers a deeper understanding of shared histories and aspirations. He described the poetry exchange as a meaningful contribution to Turkish–Nigerian cultural diplomacy.