The Cultural Diplomacy Academy founded by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü held its first event with participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism Nabi Avcı. Avcı emphasized that Turkey's first and only cultural diplomacy academy bases its operations on affection. Event's host Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş said, "We relay the accumulation and vision of Turkey with the world," and made five requests from Enstitü directors.

The first event by Cultural Diplomacy Academy established by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü in 2016, "Strategic Analysis in Cultural Diplomacy Training" took start in Istanbul today. Minister of Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı opened the 4-day long training and work program, to last until November 27^th.

The academy that aims to identify global, regional and country-oriented cultural diplomacy policies in the axis of Turkey's foreign policy priorities, have the goal of developing innovative educational programs for implementation of cultural policies with focus on impact.

Turkey's first and only cultural diplomacy academy

Speaking at the opening, Minister of Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı addressed the new administration structure of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü. Avcı spoke as follows: "Turkey's first and only cultural diplomacy academy will hopefully make significant contributions to our development. Nowadays, we go through a very difficult and important period as a country. As Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, we are in the process of renewal and we have made arrangements to make our foundation's structure more efficient. We have made the Enstitü more functional with legal regulations. This way, we will have the opportunity to overcome bureaucratic delays that leads to complaints. I hope that our efforts in the next four days will be beneficial for all of us. "

Minister Avcı said that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü activities cannot be carried out for money, income and titles, and that this is a “matter of affection”. Avcı expressed the following: "This is the way of Yunus,  to meet and to make things easier for the people we are familiar with. We are on your side day and night as a Ministry and Trustee to support your operations.”

"There is benefit in being vigilant"

Minister Avcı warned Enstitü Directors against operations of Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) that aims to make Yunus Emre Enstitüsü's activities ineffectual. Avcı ended his speech as follows: "Remember that in countries where you are operational, those who strive hard so that Enstitü cannot achieve good things, will go as far as cooperating with local managers. FETÖ has made many arrangements so you cannot carry out operations where you work. They will continue their activities so there is benefit in being vigilant.”

Expressing that the foundations of future culture diplomacy are laid with such operations, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş stated that intercultural and intra-cultural relations can be strengthened and maintained through mutual cooperation.

"Our aim as Yunus Emre Enstitüsü is to make a difference"

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş emphasized in his opening speech that they have made efforts to train qualified human resources since the day they were established, and said that Yunus Emre Enstitüsü's difference is to create awareness by educating people.

Prof. Dr. Ateş stated that 2016 is a difficult year both for Turkey and Enstitü, and expressed the following: “The military coup attempt on July 15^th changed our way of operating. We proceeded on our way as an institution. We worked with enthusiasm saying "No rest during SOE". On July 15^th, while resisting the traitors, we took measures abroad and informed foreign countries about this heinous attempt through the communication network we established with Enstitü employees. After the coup, FETÖ ringleader mentioned the Enstitü twice in anger. This shows how frustrated he is with our operations. We proceed on our way with determination. We are pleased that Minister Nabi Avcı is the minister responsible. Now our Enstitü can make decisions faster. We continue our operations in the field of global diplomacy against the threats Turkey might face. "

"We convey the accumulation and vision of Turkey to the world"

Ateş stated that they opened 2016 believing in the importance of consultation and said, "We have carried out nearly 1000 activities, and we started 2016 believing in the importance of consultation. We decided to change, acting on principles of continuous education and accountability, and continued our operations with minimum staff. We have organized more than 900 activities annually with a personnel of 330. We constantly train our employees for continuity of our activities. We relay the accumulation and vision of Turkey to the world. Turkish academics will establish the strategical foundation through know-how in the field and working groups. We have to make a difference with these studies. Our aim is to leave others behind by a narrow margin. Now this is a success story of our country with 50 cultural centres and 80 liaison offices. In this age, who controls communication rules the world. We mainly provide services for our national interests."

Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş made five requests from Enstitü staff

Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş made five requests from Enstitü staff at the end of his speech. Prof. Dr. Ateş ended his speech as follows: "I would like you to step forward if there is work, hassle and trouble, but I wish you to take a step back if there is interest involved. I want you to live rather than describing modesty. I propose you question and control your intentions at all times. You are the best examples, and we deal with culture in the broadest sense. Culture is way of life in our perspective. Before each activity or event, ask yourself the motive behind organising it. Our path is Yunus' path; fine, long and delicate. It is not the path of those who aspire for title and office. As reputation of Turkish people build up abroad, so will our reputation as the Enstitü.”

Strategic Analysis in Cultural Diplomacy Training lasted 4 days between 24-27 November 2016. On November 25^th  Friday, Prof. Dr. Sadettin Ökten, and on November 26^th  Saturday, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı and Prof. Dr. Beril Dedeoğlu made speeches.