YTB opens cultural hub in Sarajevo to boost Turkish-Language literature in the Balkans

Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) President Abdulhadi Turus inaugurated the Bağlar Literature, Thought and Culture House in Sarajevo, marking a new step in strengthening Turkish-language literary production across the Balkans.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the historic Morica Han, Turus described the Balkans as “not merely a transit corridor, but a shared space of memory,” emphasizing the region’s deep-rooted cultural interconnectedness.

He highlighted that Turkish has resonated across the Balkans for centuries as a “civilizational melody,” referencing literary figures such as Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, Süreyya Yusuf, and Hasan Mercan, while stressing the importance of nurturing new generations of writers who will carry forward this legacy.

Turus also pointed to the growing influence of Bağlar magazine, published under YTB since 2022, noting that it has reached its 13th issue and become a key Turkish-language publication in the region. The latest edition, titled “From Stage to Screen: The Memory of the Balkans,” explores the evolution of artistic expression across the region and features nearly 80 contributors from eight countries.

The newly opened cultural center is set to host reading groups, author-reader meetups, and poetry events, serving as a dynamic platform for literary exchange. Turus emphasized YTB’s continued support for such initiatives, underscoring their role in fostering intellectual and cultural production.

He further highlighted YTB’s Kin Literature Support Program (SEDEP), which encourages new literary works, adding that this year’s focus has shifted toward children’s literature. Stressing its role in shaping cultural identity, Turus described expanding production in this field as a “historic responsibility.”

“This house will be a fertile ground where new literary works will flourish,” Turus said, expressing confidence that the initiative will provide lasting momentum to the Balkans’ intellectual and artistic life. He also called on young writers to take ownership of the space and sustain it through their creativity and ideas.

As part of the कार्यक्रम, Turus also introduced the book “Turkish-Bosnian Sister Stories” during the Sarajevo International Book Fair, further reinforcing cultural ties between communities.