With the initiative of the Budapest Yunus Emre Institute (YEI), the name of Yunus Emre was given to a square in Szigetvar, Hungary.

The ceremony held in the square in the city of Szigetvar, named after Yunus Emre, was attended by President of YEI  Prof.  Şeref Ateş, Mayor of Szigetvar Dr. Peter Vass, Turkic Council Hungary Representation Office Director Ambassador Prof. Janos Hovari, Budapest YEI Director Mustafa Aydoğdu and many other guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ateş said that on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Yunus Emre's death, 2021 was declared the year of commemoration and Turkish language by both UNESCO and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

WE WILL STRENGTHEN TURKISH-HUNGARY FRIENDSHIP

Although 700 years have passed since his death, Ateş said that the thoughts of Yunus Emre and the Turkish language he used, once again attracted attention all over the world and stated that:

"Yunus Emre Institute, which represents his views today, carries the same thought all over the world. It is very valuable for us to name a square here in his memory. I would like to especially thank the Mayor and everyone who supported him for this symbolic opening in terms of the development of the relations between the Turkish and Hungarian people. I hope that with such good steps, the Turkish-Hungarian friendship will continue for another 700 years."

After the ceremony, Prof.  Ateş and Dr. Vass planted roses in the garden of Sultan Suleyman Mosque in Szigetvar Castle and visited the Turkish-Hungarian Friendship Park in the city.

“SZIGETVAR IS VERY VALUABLE FOR TURKISH HISTORY”

In his statement regarding his visit, Ateş stated that Szigetvar is very valuable in terms of Turkish history and moreoverit is important to attend the opening of a square named after Yunus Emre. Prof.  Ateş also addressed that "It is very valuable for us that Yunus Emre's name was given to a square in Szigetvar by the municipality with the initiative of our Institute. This initiative is the most important permanent value that we have made abroad this year, because from now on, the messages of peace, love and friendship of Turks will continue to live in Europe under the name of Yunus Emre.”

IT WILL BE A DOOR TO EUROPE

Emphasizing that Turkish and Hungarian belong to the same language family, the use of hundreds of words, used in Turkish even today, in Hungarian is an indication of a very serious cultural and linguistic closeness. Prof. Ateş made the following statements in his speech: "The Turks and Hungarians have maintained this relationship throughout history. Also today, economic, social and cultural relations are represented at the highest level. It is very precious for us to be here. Above all, I see this initiative of the municipality as a gateway to Europe in terms of remembering Yunus Emre and his philosophy."