By Amadou Manjang
The Turkish Embassy in The Gambia has officially inaugurated the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre, a new initiative aimed at enhancing cultural diplomacy between Turkey and The Gambia.
The centre will serve as Turkey’s cultural hub in the country, providing a platform for cultural exchange and fostering deeper ties between the two nations.
The Gambia and Turkey have enjoyed strong historical relations, which have expanded significantly in recent years. These ties were initially defined by military cooperation and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Ambassador Fahri Turker Oba highlighted the pivotal role of culture in fortifying Turkish-Gambian relations, pointing out that cultural exchanges between the two countries have not been fully utilized.
He noted that both nations share similarities in cultural traditions, creating rich opportunities for further exchanges. “The youth of this country are eager to learn about new cultures, but what is currently available to them is insufficient,” Ambassador Oba said.
The Ambassador further explained that the centre aims to enhance cultural engagement and strengthen ties by fostering mutual understanding between the Turkish and Gambian peoples. “The main objective is to nurture our relationship, allowing the Turkish people to better understand The Gambia, and vice versa,” he added.
Halil Ibrahim Efe, coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute, revealed that the centre’s courses are designed for adults aged 16 and above. He emphasized that the centre’s goal is to serve as a cultural bridge, promoting the traditions and cultural heritage of both Turkey and The Gambia.
Although the centre officially opened on February 24, 2025, classes are set to commence in April 2025.
Efe encouraged Gambian youth to join the centre and immerse themselves in Turkish culture and language.
Amie Kass Cham, a student of Turkish Cultural Center, shared her enthusiasm for learning the language, explaining that her interest was sparked by Turkish films and social media content. “I love the Turkish language, and I am motivated to study it because of the content I see online,” Cham said.
