Bağlar Culture and Thought Days open in Skopje
The Bağlar Culture and Thought Days, organised by Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) as part of its Balkan Literature Bus programme, opened in North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, on November 7.
The opening ceremony was held at a hotel in Skopje, bringing together Türkiye’s Ambassador to Skopje, Alper Aktaş; YTB Deputy President Murat Kazancı; representatives of Turkish institutions and organisations in North Macedonia; local officials; writers; and literature enthusiasts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Aktaş reflected on the role of writers, describing them as people who “knock on the door” and connect with communities through literature.
He said writers travel across different parts of the region, enter people's homes through their work and contribute to literary and cultural life in various ways, whether as poets, authors, editors or contributors to publications such as Bağlar.
SKOPJE'S LITERARY TRADITION
YTB Deputy President Kazancı said the programme would begin in Skopje before continuing to Sarajevo, Novi Pazar and Prizren.
Describing Skopje as a longstanding centre of vibrant literary and cultural activity, Kazancı highlighted the city's contribution to Turkish literature throughout history. He noted that writers and poets who emerged from the city during the Ottoman period made significant contributions to Turkish culture and literature, particularly in Istanbul, producing hundreds of works.
Kazancı also spoke about Bağlar magazine, which began publication in 2022. He said it had developed into a platform for young writers and poets from across the Balkans, particularly North Macedonia and Skopje, to publish their own work.
PROGRAMME TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE BALKANS
The Skopje leg of the Balkan Literature Bus programme will conclude on November 8 with panels covering a range of topics.
Around 30 writers from Türkiye, alongside local authors, are expected to discuss Turkish literature in the Balkans, shared cultural heritage and current issues in the literary world.
Events will also take place in Sarajevo, Novi Pazar and Prizren as part of the programme, which runs from November 7 to 14.
