A commemorative event was held in Moscow, the capital of Russia, to mark the 122^nd anniversary of the birth of Nazım Hikmet, a prominent figure in Turkish literature.

The event, hosted at Dom Kino in Moscow, was organized by the Yunus Emre Institute in Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Moscow Nazım Hikmet Culture and Art Foundation, the Moscow Northern Region Cultural Administration, and the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation.

The event was attended by Tanju Bilgiç, Turkish Ambassador to Moscow and his wife Betül Bilgiç, along with Ali Özgündüz, Yunus Emre Institute Supervisory Board Member; Mehmet Ülker, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute in Moscow; Ali Galip Savaşır, President of the Moscow Nazım Hikmet Culture and Art Foundation, and Alexandra Ilyina, Director of the Moscow Northern Region Cultural Administration.

The program featured a screening of a short film about the life of cinema artist Türkan Şoray, who was in attendance, and numerous Turkish and Russian guests.

In his speech, Bilgiç, Turkish Ambassador to Moscow, emphasized the universality of art, stating, “Nazım Hikmet continues to unite Turks and our Russian friends in the same hall, even years after his death. This once again demonstrates the universality of art to us.”

“Nazım Hikmet has significantly contributed to fostering the exchange between Türkiye and Russia”

Yunus Emre Institute Supervisory Board Member Özgündüz stated that Nazım Hikmet produced “serious” works and said, “Nazım Hikmet continues to live through his poems and works in his 122^nd year. Hikmet, who has significantly contributed to fostering the exchange between Türkiye and Russia, stands out as one of the poets who eloquently captured the spirit of the War of Independence led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.”

President of the Nazım Hikmet Foundation for Culture and Arts Savaşır emphasized that Nazım Hikmet remains a unifying figure for both Russia and Türkiye. He added, “Nazım’s legacy continues to bridge people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and ideologies with the values of friendship and brotherhood, just as we witness in this gathering. Nazım’s works and ideas light our way and serve as inspiration for future generations.”

Artist Türkan Şoray expressed her joy to be in Moscow for the 122^nd anniversary of Nazım Hikmet’s birth, stating, “Nazım Hikmet has consistently evoked the deepest emotions within us with his unique poetry, comprised of words that flow straight from the heart.”

The event proceeded with a screening of the 1978 film “Farhad and Shirin: A Love Story,” featuring Türkan Şoray, Alla Sigalova, and Faruk Peke.

The film, a Turkish-Russian co-production inspired by Nazım Hikmet’s “Farhad and Shirin,” originally written as a 3-act play, was screened in Russian with Turkish subtitles.

“Art knows no boundaries”

Türkan Şoray expressed her joy that the film “Farhad and Shirin: A Love Story,” in which she starred, was screened in Moscow. She remarked, “Art knows no boundaries; it unites people wherever they are in the world. Art has a unique ability to unite people, bringing them together as a single heart. This exemplifies the profound value and significance of art.”

Expressing her belief that her visit to Moscow would also provide her with the opportunity to connect with Russian artists, Şoray mentioned that during her time in Moscow, she took a stroll around the Red Square. Şoray remarked, “It’s quite a unique feeling to have walked around this square years ago and then return here once more. I got emotional.”

Türkan Şoray commented on Nazım Hikmet’s works, stating, “Nazım is truly a towering poet. He has left his mark on everyone in our country as he has throughout the world. His poems resonate deeply with the human soul.”