Yunus Emre Institute is actively working to enhance Türkiye’s media relations with other countries, utilizing media as a crucial tool in public diplomacy efforts.

The Institute convened the third edition of its “Media Meetings” series in Tirana, the capital of Albania, following previous gatherings in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

The program, which united the top media organizations from Türkiye and Albania, garnered coverage in the Albanian press.

The Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings received extensive coverage from prominent Albanian media outlets and organizations, such as Tirana Diplomat, Agora News, Infoweb, and Frekuenca.

Impact of Media Meetings Resonates in the Albanian Press

Yunus Emre Institute in Tirana hosts “Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings”

The Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings program, hosted by the Yunus Emre Institute in Tirana, facilitated discussions on various topics.

The program saw participation from members of the media and representatives of various institutions from both Türkiye and Albania.

“Perceptions are just as significant as facts”

In his opening speech, Tayyar Kağan Atay, Turkish Ambassador to Tirana, emphasized the crucial role of the media in fostering relations between the two countries, highlighting that perceptions are just as significant as facts.

Atay remarked, “We, as Turks and Albanians, are two nations that have walked on history’s path together. We share a common history, once co-ruling a grand empire, and our bond remains strong. This social and human connection holds immense value for us. We share common values. We have a significant population of Turkish citizens of Albanian descent.”

Atay emphasized that 2023 will mark the 100^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and Türkiye, adding, “The two countries officially base their relations on a strategic partnership. 

Ambassador Atay emphasized the strong economic interaction between the two countries and highlighted the efforts of Turkish institutions such as TİKA and the Turkish Maarif Foundation in Albania.

Ambassador Atay noted, “Türkiye and Albania are allies. We have consistently supported the Albanian people and state during trying times.”

Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy provided comprehensive insights into the Institute’s endeavors, highlighting its extensive presence with nearly 90 representative offices worldwide.

“We curate a diverse range of events aimed at showcasing the vibrant Turkish culture”

Barut said, “We curate a diverse range of events aimed at showcasing the vibrant Turkish culture.  We endorse a broad spectrum of cultural initiatives, spanning from arts and literature to music and beyond. At the Institute, our primary objective is to foster collaboration with diverse countries and cultures, forging enduring connections.”

“I trust that this gathering will pave the way for ongoing collaboration between Albanian and Turkish media outlets, fostering enduring partnerships,” expressed Ömer Osman Demirbaş, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute in Albania.

Prof. Lindita Xhanari Latifi, President of the Balkans Research Center at New York University in Tirana, Seyhan Pencaplıgil, General Manager of the National Commercial Bank of Albania (BKT), and Yavuz Donat from Sabah Newspaper were among the speakers at the event. 

At the “Media Meeting,” various topics were discussed, including the role of media in international relations, cultural diplomacy, and media’s function as a vehicle for cultural exchange.

Yunus Emre Institute organizes a program titled “Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings”

Yunus Emre Institute convened a program titled “Türkiye-Albania Media Meetings,” bringing together members of the media from both Albania and Türkiye.

“The media plays a critical role in fostering relations between nations”

“The media plays a critical role in fostering relations between nations, and I extend my gratitude to the media representatives who participated in this program on behalf of our Embassy,” expressed Tayyar Kağan Atay, Turkish Ambassador to Tirana.

Ambassador Atay remarked, “Türkiye and Albania have shared a historical journey, and our closeness is undeniable. This social connection holds great value. We share common values and notable figures like Şemseddin Sami Frasheri and Mehmet Akif Ersoy. We share many commonalities and characteristics. We have a significant population of Albanian-origin citizens living in Türkiye. There is a neighborhood in İstanbul known as ‘Arnavutköy’, which has historically been inhabited by Albanians. Last year marked the centennial of diplomatic relations between our nations. Albania has designated Türkiye as a strategic partner.”

Atay went on to add, “Albania was the second country to dispatch search and rescue teams to the region immediately following the earthquake disaster in Türkiye in 2023. Türkiye and Albania play stabilizing roles in the Balkans. I hope this strong bond will be evident in the media sector as well.”

Melih Barut, PhD, Coordinator of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy, in his presentation introducing the Institute, stated, “Our goal at Yunus Emre Institute is to foster media relations between the two countries and facilitate collaboration in the media sector.

In the subsequent segment of the program, Seyhan Pencaplıgil, General Manager of the National Commercial Bank of Albania, delivered a presentation titled “Türkiye-Albania Relations: The Turkish Perspective”, whereas

Prof. Lindita Xhanari Latifi of Tirana New York University delivered a speech titled “Türkiye-Albania Relations: The Albanian Perspective”.  

Yavuz Donat, a prominent figure in the Turkish media, delivered a speech on the role of the media in fostering relations between Türkiye and Albania.

Albanian and Turkish media representatives engaged in discussions regarding the social and cultural dimensions of both nations, exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and collaboration.