YTB hosts literature and academia gathering in Edirne
The Coordination Office of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) in Edirne recently hosted the promotional and academic program of Bağlar Magazine, a prominent literary platform for Turkish literature in the Balkans. The event featured participation from writers of Western Thrace and students from Balkan countries studying in Edirne.
Edırne Promotion and Academic Program Concludes
The program included storytelling and poetry workshops, book talks, and signing sessions, culminating in the unveiling of the latest issue of Bağlar Magazine. Western Thrace writers Müberra Karadayı, Bilal Sarı Mahmut, and Hüseyin Mehmet engaged with students through book discussions and autograph sessions.
The event also honored students graduating from the International Academy Graduation Program in Edirne, presenting them with certificates alongside participants of the Bağlar Magazine program.
Certificates Awarded to 100 Students
The event began with the opening of the “Hüsn-i Hat” calligraphy exhibition, prepared by students as part of their workshop activities. The program continued with poetry recitals and live musical performances.
A total of 100 students who successfully completed courses in seven different workshops received graduation certificates.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şentürk, Coordinator of the YTB Edirne Office, highlighted the efforts made to equip international students with relevant skills. “We aimed to create a family-like atmosphere with continuous support. Through workshops on software development, coding, and 3D modeling, we strive to keep pace with the times. The writing workshop encouraged students to interpret life, while theology workshops fostered ethical values, and art workshops nurtured aesthetic appreciation. Additionally, our Balkan cuisine workshop aimed to broaden students’ culinary tastes. We also organized career days, communication seminars, talks, and country promotion events,” Şentürk explained.
Bağlar Magazine’s Growing Influence in the Balkans
During the program, the 9th issue of Bağlar Magazine, published under the auspices of YTB, was officially introduced. Ali Işık, Corporate Publications Coordinator at YTB and Editor-in-Chief of Bağlar, discussed the magazine’s role in strengthening the presence of Turkish language and literature across the Balkans.
Işık noted, “We are preparing our 10th issue with contributions from over 70 writers across eight countries. Our momentum grows with each issue. We welcome new authors to join Bağlar, whose doors are open to everyone.”
