Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş and Rector of Jerusalem University in Palestine Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Qisik signed a protocol to open a Turcology Department.

Speaking at the signing ceremony attended by Turkish Consul General in Jerusalem Cenk Ünal and Jerusalem YEE Director İbrahim Furkan Özdemir, YEE President Ateş said, "As a result of this agreement, we will come a long way both to meet the demand for teachers at the University of Jerusalem and encourage academic collaborations and scientific studies and to further relations. In this sense, if space is allocated in the university, other activities can be organised to promote Turkish history and culture. "

Stating that the agreement will lead to better recognition of Turkish history and culture in this region, Ateş emphasized that more opportunities will be offered to Jerusalem locals and Palestinians to learn Turkish.

Enstitü will be Opened in West Bank

Ateş announced that they will open a centre in West Bank's Ramallah city, and said, "It is unfortunately forbidden for Palestinians living in the West Bank to visit Jerusalem, so we will open a centre in Ramallah which will have a very important function.”

"Expectations from Turkey are high"

Turkish Consul General in Jerusalem Ünal spoke as follows: "Turkey attaches great importance to development of relations with Palestine in every field. The ventures in the field of education are also part of these activities.  There is in fact a great potential. The level of educational institutions in Palestine are high. So are expectations from Turkey.”

The Rector of University of Jerusalem Abu Qisik underlined that they attach importance to their relations with Turkish institutions and universities, and said “We are confident that this agreement we have made to establish the Turcology Department will make significant contributions, if God allows.”