The famous historian/writer İlber Ortaylı attended the conference titled "Poland-Turkey Relations Through the Eyes of a Turkish Historian" held in Polish capital of Warsaw.

Giving a speech at the conference held at the Great Assembly Hall in The Royal Castle coorganised by Warsaw Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Turkish Embassy in Warsaw, Ortaylı summarized the historical phases of the relationship between Poland and Turkey.

Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı said in the presentation he made in English that it was a great honour for him to tell the historical background between the two countries and he was utterly pleased. Ortaylı explained in detail the relationship between the two countries exceeding six centuries, and spoke as follows: "In the middle of Central Anatolia there is a cemetery beside the ruins of Roman Emperor Caracalla's baths where you can see tombstones of British, French and Italian merchants as well as those of Polish merchants. At the beginning of their careers Polish merchants carried out trade not only in Anatolia, but also in Bursa. So Turks started to recognize and purchase the products made in Poland at that time. "

In a statement he made to the AA journalist after the conference, Ortaylı marked that Warsaw locals and historians widely attended the conference and said, "I am utterly pleased that they take interest in Turkish issues."

Referring to the exhibition of Istanbul photos opened by Turkish Embassy in Warsaw, Ortaylı relayed that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü has a project to establish a central office in Warsaw soon, and said, "There is great demand for Turkish language. We hope these will be met. Conferences come and go.”

After the event widely attended by Polish people, İlber Ortaylı answered the questions directed to him and chatted with the audience.