The closing gala of the Hungarian–Turkish cultural season in Ankara. Photo credit: National News Agency / Sándor Palace.
Source: MTI/Kultúra.hu
The Hungarian–Turkish cultural season concluded with a grand gala event in Ankara. The ceremonial closing event was attended by Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, as well as several high-ranking political, cultural, and economic figures from both countries.
Under the motto “A Century of Friendship and Cooperation,” the cultural season unfolded throughout 2023, beginning on December 18 in Budapest, marking the 100th anniversary of Hungarian–Turkish diplomatic relations, as noted in the press release by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.
During the season, Hungary organized 160 cultural, multidisciplinary and scientific programs in 17 cities across Turkey. These events attracted nearly 1.5 million participants and generated over a thousand media appearances in Turkey.
„The Turkish audience welcomed the Hungarian programs with immense openness and interest. The season fostered collaborations on political, economic, and professional levels that can continue into the future. It can be said that the cultural series concluded with absolute success, surpassing the initial objectives,” said Péter Hoppál, government commissioner responsible for the season.
The closing gala was held on December 12, 2024, in Ankara, showcasing a joint performance by Hungarian and Turkish artists, similar to the opening ceremony. The event was attended by Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation and Péter Hoppál, government commissioner for the season. Turkey was represented by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and many government officials.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the cooperation between Hungary and Turkey will continue in 2025 with the Hungarian–Turkish Year of Science and Innovation.