Organized by Amsterdam Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, the painting, marbling, and photography exhibition “Turkish Touch” opened on December 12, 2015.

Works by the painter Betül Burnaz, marbler Okan Akın, and photographer Ahmet Helaka were enjoyed by Turkish and Dutch art lovers, with attendance by names like Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Director Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi, Ambassador of Turkey to the Netherlands Sadık Arslan, and Consul-General of Turkey in Amsterdam Tolga Orkun.

In his opening speech, Develi said that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü centers are active in several countries and are designed as a meeting place of different cultures.

Stating the institute’s goal to make the Amsterdam center a hub for poets, painters, writers, and intellectuals, Develi said, “We do not see ourselves as a propaganda machine for Turkey in different places. We deem this center a meeting place of exchange between Turkish intellectual life and other cultures. Essentially, this is the fundamental duty of cultural institutions of other countries. To be seen, to make an introduction, to befriend. As Yunus Emre says, ‘Come, let us all be friends for once / Let us be lovers and loved ones.’ When societies do not know each other, that gap is filled with prejudice. These prejudices cause conflict, enmity, and war. Befriending supports peace, makes peace possible.”

Consul-General in the Hague Sadık Arslan stated that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü centers take on an important role of introducing Turkish culture. Expressing his wish that the 43 centers will expand to more locations, Arslan said, “I hope soon this center will be an important hub for Turkish and Dutch lovers of Turkish culture and art. We have an important artistic legacy. We have artists around the world. A Europe without Turkey would be an orphan of civilization. Therefore, the presence of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü in Amsterdam will show all art lovers the warm face of Turkish culture and Anatolia.”

The exhibition will remain open until January 8 2016 in Amsterdam Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.