Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş has met young people in Mardin. At the event held at Mardin Municipality's Youth Center on February 18, President Ateş briefed young people about intricacies of cultural diplomacy.

Mardin Governor Mustafa Yaman, too, attended the event during which young people learned about the definition and history of diplomacy. President Ateş gave information on culture and cultural diplomacy, noting that Yunus Emre Institute seeks to increase the number of people who forge bonds with Turkey and, to do this, perception and facts should be distinguished from each other. "Facts, not perceptions, are the very essence of truth. In modern world, we do not have the opportunity to know people closely, but perceptions define them. In political communication, these perceptions are what matters. In establishing communication with other societies, we make use of these perceptions," he said.

Reminding that capitalism and socialism had constituted two opposite camps in terms of culture and diplomacy until 1990s, Ateş said: "Communication, relationship and development cannot be without influence. There were institutions exercising their unique cultural diplomacy approaches in both camps in order to exert influence on other countries. Turkey was one of their targets. Culture means interaction, and if you have more tools, you can exert more influence," he said.

"Development of original thinking and free will is important"

Ateş indicated that several organization, in addition to cultural institutes, have started to serve this purpose, and Yunus Emre Institute, established ten years ago, is one of these tools.

 Ateş described cultural diplomacy as having four stages: "The old method starts by showing. This is the first stage. This was what had been done between 1950s and 1990s. Your take your artists abroad and they stage shows there, and the other party is impressed. The second stage for getting results in cultural diplomacy is about sharing the same platform. The third stage is a set of exchange programs such as Erasmus by the EU. The fourth and the most effective method consists of giving opportunity to the other party. If you want to promote Turkish culture in the United States, it is important for you to give them opportunity to play your instruments or use an element of your lifestyle after the promotional activity. This will bring about real success."

"We have to make our own story"

 Ateş pointed out that Ibn Khaldun's assertion that "geography is destiny" has always been part of negative discourse, and it is up to young people to turn it into a positive one. "It is in your hands to make your own destiny. This center is an example of this," he said.

Ateş added: "You have to be in peace with your own roots and learn about your own geography and take the products of this geography to other lands in a creative manner. You have to make your own story. And you have to do it with an aesthetic touch. Each young person is a cultural diplomat. I think you should share your cultural geography, your city and the assets here at your social media accounts. Each step you take will take you further."

Following the lecture, Ateş answered questions from the young attendants. At the end of the program, the attendants posed for a souvenir photo.