Cairo Yunus Emre Institute organized a commemoration program for the 86^th anniversary of the death of our national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who lived in Egypt for many years and wrote our Anthem of Independence.

Hosted by the Institute on December 27, 2022, the event was attended by Turkish Chargé d'Affaires to Cairo Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, YEI Cairo Coordinator Emin Boyraz, President of the Turkish-Egyptian Businessmen's Association Nihat Ekinci, Ain Shams University Faculty Member Prof. Nihat Ekinci, Institute trainees and invited guests.

Speaking at the commemoration program, Turkish Chargé d'Affaires to Cairo Ambassador Şen stated that they strive to understand and comprehend the world with the inspiration they draw from Ersoy.

MEHMET AKIF ESTABLISHES A LINK BETWEEN TURKEY AND EGYPT

Noting that Mehmet Akif Ersoy taught Turkish Language and Literature at Cairo University when he lived in Egypt, YEI Cairo Coordinator Emin Boyraz stated: "Today, we come together on the occasion of commemorating Mehmet Akif at the Cairo Yunus Emre Institute, where thousands of Egyptian brothers and sisters get to know Turkish culture and learn Turkish."

Boyraz added, "Even 86 years after his death, our national poet continues to establish ties between Turkey and Egypt and bring us closer."

AKIF READINGS EVENT ORGANIZED

As part of the commemoration programs, Cairo Yunus Emre Institute organized an "Akif Readings Event" at the Fişavi Coffeehouse located in the historical Khan-ı Halili Bazaar, where Mehmet Akif Ersoy visited during his time in Cairo.

In the room where Mehmet Akif Ersoy's photograph was placed in the coffeehouse, readings were made from his work "Safahat".

The event, where Akif's poems were recited, ended with a presentation on the life of the national poet, followed by the screening of a documentary on Akif's life.