International Conference titled “Turkey-Sudan Relations from Past to Present and Opportunities for the Future” took place in Sudan's capital of Khartoum between 8-10 February.

Conference organized by Çankırı Karatekin University and Al Zaeim Alazhari University with support from Khartoum Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, was widely attended.

Republic of Sudan Vice President Hassabo Mohamed Abdelrahman made the opening speech and underlined that there are religious ties between Sudan and Turkey as well as a historical unity, and a true friendship and fraternity between the two countries. Abdelrahman also added that furthering the academic relationship as well as historic and cultural ties will prove to be fruitful for both Sudan and Turkey.

Head of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş informed the audience on Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, and spoke about Khartoum Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Turkish instruction. 

Turcology Protocols and Khartoum Yunus Emre Enstitüsü’s Operations

Prof. Dr. Ateş stated that with the Turcology cooperation protocol signed between Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and the University of the Holy Quran in 2013, a Turcology department was opened in the university and Turkish education in Sudan gained pace thereafter. He added that they plan to open a Turkish department also in Khartoum University next year based on Turcology cooperation protocol signed between Yunus Emre Enstitüsü and Khartoum University in 2015.

Head of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü marked that they make efforts to open a Turcology department in International University of Africa, and pointed that in addition to Turkish instruction collaborations held and planned to be held with universities in Sudan, the number of those who have preregistered for the Turkish course in Khartoum region has exceed 150.

With regard to the increasing demand, Ateş stated in his speech that Khartoum Yunus Emre Enstitüsü will soon be providing services, cultural-artistic activities as Turkish instruction leading will be launched and improved by taking the needs into consideration when the circumstances allow.

Çankırı Karatekin University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Rıza Gündüz took the stage in the opening ceremony of the conference, and stated that the academic operations will be continued to consolidate the ties between the two countries.

TİKA Khartoum Coordinator Yahya Acun also pointed out that there are historic relations between the two countries but there are aspects to be improved. Turkish Ambassador to Khartoum Cemalettin Aydın expressed his appreciation for the ever-improving education relations between the two countries. Lastly Sudanese Minister for Higher Education Prof. Dr. Somia Abukashwaa said that they are pleased with the interest Turkey takes in education.

36 declarations were presented throughout the conference.