ShareKUWAIT: In a collaborative effort between the Turkish Embassy and the Kuwait National Library, a special ceremony took place on Monday 29th of April, 2024 to inaugurate the Turkish Book Section within the library. The event was attended by the Library Director General, Siham Al-Azmi, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and media representatives etc. The Turkish Embassy donated 250 books to the library, covering a wide array of topics such as literature, history, art, and science.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Turkey to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, expressed her optimism for the future growth, and thanked those who are dedicated to fostering the cultural exchange. She also shed light on the significance of the occasion, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Kuwait. “Events like this further solidify the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations, transcending geographical boundaries,” she emphasized.
In her address to the guests, Ambassador Sonmez gave insights about Turkey’s renowned National Library, the Millet Kutuphanesi - a symbol of the country’s commitment to knowledge, education, and cultural preservation. Spanning an impressive 125,000 square meters, the Millet Kutuphanesi stands as Turkey’s largest and most frequented library, housing rare manuscripts, historical documents, and contemporary works.
She added: “The Millet Kutuphanesi is a bustling center of intellectual activity, welcoming scholars, researchers, students, and inquisitive minds. President Erdogan’s vision for the library was to create a space that fosters dialogue, understanding, and creativity, echoing Turkey’s dedication to heritage preservation while embracing global exchange of ideas. The inauguration of the Turkish Book Section at the Kuwait National Library marks a significant moment in cultural exchange and mutual understanding. This new section serves as a gateway for readers to explore the richness of Turkish literature, history, and ideas, fostering dialogue and highlighting the universal nature of human expression.”
Ambassador Sonmez concluded her address on a hopeful note, expressing her desire for the Turkish Book Section to ignite curiosity, spark conversations, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Turkey and Kuwait. She emphasized the transformative power of the written word in transcending borders and uniting hearts.
The inauguration of the Turkish Book Collection represents a celebration of literature, diplomacy, and shared aspirations, adding another chapter to the ongoing story of Turkey and Kuwait, one that continues to unfold through the pages of books.
