Historian-author Prof. İlber Ortaylı gave a lecture at Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) on “Turkey and Neighboring Countries.” Drawing attention to the fact that despite forming late, Turkish diaspora is strong, Ortaylı expressed his view that there must be works done to prevent especially the youth in the diaspora lose their language and culture.

Historian-author Prof. İlber Ortaylı gave a lecture at Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) on “Turkey and Neighboring Countries.” In the conference attended by the YTB personnel, Ortaylı reflected his evaluations on the history of Turkish diaspora. Ortaylı highlighted the fact that despite forming late, the presence of Turkish diaspora is strong.

THERE MUST BE ACTIVITIES THAT AIM YOUTH IN DIASPORA

Stating that even only in Germany there are 3.5 million Turkish citizens, Ortaylı said that Turkish diaspora has spread to a very wide geography. Urging on the need for activities that guard the national assets in diaspora studies, Ortaylı stated that YTB is an important institution for the matter. Expressing the need for programs that aim to prevent the youth in diaspora lose their language and cultures, Ortaylı said, “First of all, we must not lose our language. We must use Turkish elegantly.” Prof. Ortaylı underlined the importance of using the language properly in theater, literature and even on TV.

VOLUNTARY AMBASSADORS TO TURKEY

Prof. İlber Ortaylı also underlined the great importance of the presence of international students that come from all around the world to Turkey and receive education in our country with the Türkiye Scholarships offered within the body of YTB. He also drew attention to the fact that the students receiving education in our country also have the chance to get to know Turkish culture closely, and as a consequence, graduating students that form very strong ties, despite their leave from our country shall become very precious voluntary ambassadors to Turkey.

In his opening speech to the conference, the President of YTB, Abdullah Eren expressed his sincere gratitude for being able to host Prof. İlber Ortaylı and gave brief information about the institution. Stating that there are main fields of activity of YTB, President Eren noted “Our main field of activities are namely our citizens abroad, sister-related communities and the international students receiving education in our country; and our attempts are to provide maximum contribution to our country and citizens within our fields of activity.”

Following the Q&A Session in which Ortaylı answered questions of YTB personnel that ended the conference, President of YTB, Abdullah Eren presented Ortaylı with the works published under support from YTB.