Cultural promotional activities on Cultural Diplomacy on an international
scale play an important role with regard to the image of a country and her
prestige, as well as the effectiveness of the foreign policy she desires to
pursue.
It is important to put promotional activities into a strategic framework so
that they could be used flexibly as effective foreign policy instruments
and to work in coordination and collaboration with all relevant
institutions and organizations. Cultural promotion is an inseparable part
of foreign policy and should therefore follow its priorities. Success in
promotion depends on adopting an approach based on long-term planning, a
global perspective, diligent implementation and strong coordination among
the partners.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has therefore been given by Law the mandate
of implementing and coordinating foreign policy, carrying out relations
with foreign countries and international organizations, ensuring the
harmonization of foreign relations activities of other Ministries and
institutions.
In this context, in order to address the actual demands of the cultural
promotion of our country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with
all relevant institutions and organizations, especially with the Ministry
of Culture and Tourism, non-governmental organizations, private sector,
academic circles which perform promotional activities.
Türkiye has been a cradle and bridge for many civilizations, inherited
traditions and cultures of earlier civilizations, created her own culture,
contributed in this respect to other countries and peoples. It is natural
for others to show an interest in this rich culture and attractive
location. Awareness is the prerequisite of becoming interested. Today,
Türkiye is one of the most preferred countries in the world by foreign
visitors. As a matter of fact, promotional activities strive to facilitate
communication, eradicate prejudices, provide accurate information, forge
positive image and also to cultivate awareness. We believe that cultural
relations strengthen mutual understanding among countries, create an
appropriate platforms for joint action, forge novel networks thus play an
essential role in achieving success in the exercise of public diplomacy.
Limited to tourism earlier, the scope and dimension of “promotion” today
has taken a quite different form. The need for multi-dimensional promotion,
covering a broad spectrum ranging from domestic politics to foreign policy,
from economy and trade to culture, from social development and
demographical movements to education, from tourism to cultural diversity
and to richness of intellectual life, stems from the unique circumstances
of our country, as well as from prevailing global conditions.
Millions of our citizens, kinsmen, as well as communities with affinity to
Türkiye exist in other countries. Hence the cultural promotion of our
country is directed not only at foreigners, but also at people of Turkish
origin and such communities living abroad.
The focus of promotional activity is to introduce to the world, through
various activities, the values, history, language, literature,
archaeological assets, scientific achievements, art, architecture, cuisine,
traditions, beliefs, role models, sports peculiar to our country. Our
approach to this end is to utilize the universal language of culture and
art and to carry out activities that will leave a lasting impression in the
minds of people.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with the
relevant Turkish authorities and institutions in carrying out numerous
cultural promotional activities which appeal to large numbers of people in
other countries. Among these are exhibitions promoting our country’s
cultural heritage, contributing to organizations of Week of Türkiye, Year
of Türkiye events and festivals, taking part in festivals and cultural
events, organizing conferences abroad on Turkish foreign policy, producing
promotional documentaries and publications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to present the cultural
accumulation of Türkiye as a richness to humanity.