100 Events Celebrating Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year
Hungary and Türkiye to Mark Important Diplomatic Anniversary with 100 Cultural Programs
The year’s long celebration of the Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year in 2024 will include a whopping 100 programs.
Péter Hoppál, the government commissioner responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year, highlighted the importance of this year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Türkiye. He mentioned that this long-awaited cultural year was opened on December 18, 2023, with Müpa Budapest hosting a grand festive event. The programs will run for one year, showcasing a wide range of Turkish culture in Hungary, and a Hungarian cultural season will also be held in Türkiye at the same time.
Among the anticipated programs, Hungarian literary works translated into Turkish over the recent decades will be republished in Türkiye by the Petőfi Literary Museum. Additionally, a plethora of artistic disciplines will be featured, showcasing where Hungarian creative and performing arts stand today. This will be complemented by academic programs, conferences, university cooperation, exhibitions of contemporary Hungarian art, art of the past 200 years, and sports, which will all be part of the cultural season.
Péter Hoppál stated, “We would like to show as much of ourselves as possible, so that the image of Hungarian culture in Turkish society is as nuanced as possible.” He emphasized the deep-rooted nature of Hungarian-Turkish relations, noting that the two nations have adopted linguistic and cultural elements from one another. Moreover, he mentioned that in recent times, the new dimension of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Türkiye has brought about unprecedented cooperation and friendship.
Péter Hoppál also recalled the historical importance of the two nations and how Hungarian emigrants had sought refuge in Türkiye, especially after the War of Independence in 1848. He believes that the cultural year is a bold attempt to shed light on the cultural affinities that Hungary and Türkiye share.
According to the government commissioner, the celebration is a way of fostering a sense of shared history, honor, and mutual respect between the two nations. If you are interested in the programs, you can find more information on the official website of the event.
Via MTI, Featured image: Facebook/Hungarian-Turkish Culture Year
