A “Turkey Library” featuring 1881 books was opened in Belgium’s Ghent University with contributions of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Ziraat Bank.

Opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Brussels Mehmet Hakan Olcay, Antwerp Ambassador Metin Ergin, Head of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi and Ghent University Art and Philosophy Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Marc Boone as well as students.

Prof. Dr. Hayati Develi remarked in his opening speech that the relationship between Belgium and Turkey dates back to 177 years ago, and continued as follows: “On behalf of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, we are glad to have been present in Belgium since 2011 and promote Turkish language, culture, art, in short all aspects of our civilization here with the aim of furthering these relationships. At the same time I would like to express that we function as a bridge in promoting Turkey in Belgium.”

Ghent University Art and Philosophy Dean Boone thanked Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Ziraat Bank for their contributions and marked that Turkey library is not only open to university students but to whole public as part of the agreement made with Ghent Municipality.

1050 out of 1881 books were donated by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and library features Turkish books as well as books on Turkey in English.