By Ndey Sowe
The Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center officially opened its doors in Banjul with a dialogue meeting aimed at fostering cooperation and cultural exchange between Turkish and Gambian artists. Held in partnership with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the meeting on Thursday, May 22, brought together leaders in the arts sector, including the Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, Turker OBA; NCAC Director General Hassoum Ceesay; and the Center’s Coordinator, Halil Ibrahim Efe.
The gathering introduced the center’s mission, which seeks to promote cross-cultural understanding by uniting artists, musicians, and cultural leaders from both countries. Ambassador OBA expressed gratitude for the support received from the Ministry of Tourism and emphasized the importance of making Gambian arts more visible on the global stage. “You have a great culture and art, but we see that it is not enough visible,” he said, pledging the center’s commitment to exploring challenges in the sector and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
He underscored the shared cultural values between Turkey and The Gambia, expressing optimism about future joint initiatives. Mr. Ceesay welcomed the establishment of the center as a timely boost for the Gambian cultural scene. “This is a space for culture and arts—so really, it is our space,” he said, urging artists to take advantage of the center as a resource for events, exhibitions, and creative dialogue. The center, he added, aligns closely with the aspirations of local artists and offers a platform for showcasing their work and engaging in cultural diplomacy.
The Yunus Emre Institute, founded in 2007 and named after the revered 14th-century poet, is a global non-profit organization focused on promoting Turkish language and culture. With over 80 centers worldwide, it plays a strategic role in soft power diplomacy, particularly across the Balkans and now West Africa. Through its new base in The Gambia, the institute aims to deepen artistic and educational ties while celebrating the cultural richness of both nations.
