Emine Erdoğan visits Kyrgyzstan, Hungary to boost Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy
Emine Erdoğan’s journey Kyrgyzstan
Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, recently concluded a diplomatic and cultural tour from Nov. 5 to Nov. 7, strengthening Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy and reinforcing bonds with Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.
Emine Erdoğan’s journey began in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she attended the 11th Summit of the Turkic Council alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During her visit, she explored the Kyrgyz Republic National History Museum with Kyrgyz First Lady Aygül Caparova and Hungary’s First Lady Aniko Levai, immersing herself in over 130,000 historical artifacts showcasing Kyrgyz culture. A highlight of her cultural tour was the Divanu Lugati’t-Türk exhibition, a tribute to the Turkic language’s history and heritage.
Kyrgyz First Lady Aygül Caparova extended a warm welcome, personally guiding Emine Erdoğan through key events, including visits to the Maarif Foundation School, the National Maternal and Child Health Services Center, and the scenic Ala Archa National Park. Emine Erdoğan’s itinerary included lunch and dinner at the Ala Archa State Residence, as well as a memorable cultural exchange at the Shubina Music School, where a choir performed in Turkish, Kyrgyz, and Hungarian, celebrating the unity of these nations.
Emine Erdoğan also inaugurated the Bilim Bishkek Innovation Center in collaboration with the T3 Foundation and TIKA, underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to educational advancement in Kyrgyzstan. During her visit to Ala Archa National Park, she connected with locals, sampled traditional beverages, and explored Kyrgyz yurt traditions.
The visit highlighted Türkiye’s dedication to cultural diplomacy, showcasing mutual respect and collaboration with both Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.
In Bishkek, Emine Erdoğan, joined by Kyrgyz first lady Aygül Caparova, visited the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMV) educational complex. The students welcomed them with flowers and songs. Erdoğan and Caparova toured various sections, including the Computer and Robotics Coding Workshop, and engaged with students presenting their projects, such as traditional Kyrgyz crafts and technological innovations.
Erdoğan praised the complex’s four-language curriculum and its role in empowering future generations. She also congratulated students for their achievements at Teknofest and wished them continued success.
Later, Emine Erdoğan attended the inauguration of the Bishkek Innovation Center, a joint project of Türkiye’s T3 Foundation and TIKA. She lauded the center’s mission to foster innovation and prepare young people for the modern world. As her visit concluded, Erdoğan expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality and emphasized the strengthened ties between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan.
Emine Erdoğan, alongside Kyrgyz first lady Aygül Caparova, also visited the National Maternal and Child Protection Center, a hospital serving over 35,000 women and children annually. Erdoğan toured the facility, extending well-wishes to the patients and meeting with doctors and health staff. The center provided a wide range of services and was praised for its role in health education. Erdoğan expressed hopes for continued health cooperation between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan and wished all patients a speedy recovery.
Emine Erdoğan Reflects on Kyrgyz Hospitality and Strengthens Cultural Ties in Hungary
Reflecting on her experiences, she shared on social media how Kyrgyzstan’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage had deepened the friendship between the two nations.
“We departed Kyrgyzstan with unforgettable memories, touched by the profound history and the warm spirit of friendship,” Erdoğan remarked. “Every step enriched our bond, letting us experience the ancient soul of Kyrgyz culture. Our sincere thanks to the kind people of Kyrgyzstan.”
After she visited Kyrgyzstan, the first lady traveled to Hungary on Nov. 7, where her cultural engagements continued. In Budapest, she attended a special program promoting the book Gül Baba and Religious Heritage in Ottoman Hungary, which is dedicated to the legacy of 14th-century Ottoman poet and dervish Gül Baba. The event was held at the Gül Baba Tomb, a site restored in 2018 through a collaboration between TIKA and the Hungarian government.
In Budapest, Emine Erdoğan was welcomed by TIKA Coordinator Elif Türkislamoğlu. Gül Baba Foundation Deputy Chair Suat Karakuş and architect Mehmet Emin Yılmaz, who led the restoration of the Gül Baba Tomb and authored the newly published Gül Baba and the Spiritual Heritage of Ottoman Hungary. Yılmaz presented his book, published by TIKA and shared insights into Gül Baba’s lasting influence on Türkiye-Hungary relations.
Emine Erdoğan Honors Türkiye-Hungary Friendship at the Historic Gül Baba Tomb
In the guest book at the Gül Baba Tomb, Türkiye’s first lady wrote, “Gathering around the legacy of Gül Baba, who journeyed from Anatolia and now rests in this land, is especially meaningful on the 100th anniversary of the Türkiye-Hungary Friendship Treaty.” She continued, “Six years after TIKA’s restoration and establishing a cultural center here, it’s wonderful to see this heritage honored with a new book.” Erdoğan expressed hope that Yılmaz’s work would further strengthen the century-long bond between Türkiye and Hungary.
Reflecting on social media, Emine Erdoğan emphasized Gül Baba’s tomb as a testament to shared values. She wrote, “This tomb, which came to life again in 2018 with TIKA’s support, reflects our enduring values from the Ottoman era to today—a cherished inheritance.” She expressed happiness at seeing Türkiye-Hungary friendship’s traces in a place where history and spirituality resonate with every step.
Moreover, Erdoğan highlighted Gül Baba’s symbolic significance. She noted that his path, as a Bektashi dervish, has transformed into a symbol of unity between the two nations. The visit to the tomb, she remarked, had touched her deeply.
Later, Mehmet Emin Yılmaz, the book’s author, presented her with a signed copy. Erdoğan described the book as “a meaningful work that will guide future generations and build even more bridges of friendship between Türkiye and Hungary.”
