Dear State Minister,
Dear Members of the Federal and State Parliaments,
Dear Mr. Mayor,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend my warm greetings to you all.
Being here for this meaningful event this evening is indeed a great pleasure for me. I want to thank the organizers for the kind invitation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
A diplomat’s main task is to develop and strengthen ties of friendship between nations. This is why we are paid for. But I always hold the belief that it is the interaction between members of civil society that establish the strongest and most enduring bonds between countries, cultures and civilizations.
Today, I am delighted to see that, in this room, we have many envoys of Turkey and Germany dedicated to developing the understanding and cooperation between our two countries. People who have put their time and resources in these efforts, besides many other positive outcomes, are also contributing to an ever-lasting friendship between Turkey and Germany. I appreciate and commend these efforts.

Dear Friends,

Troubling events of recent years have highlighted the need to engage in a meaningful and operational dialogue among different cultures and belief systems. Genuine dialogue can only occur when there is sincere respect for and understanding of other cultures and civilizations.
In response to these threats, we should come up with more projects and activities, such as this one, by which we will be able to emphasize humanity’s common values, as well as promote peace and tolerance.

In fact, Yunus Emre is the perfect fit as far as the efforts for promoting the common values of humanity are concerned.

As you all very well know, Yunus Emre is one of the most important representatives of early Turkish mysticism of the 13th-century. He is the greatest Turkish poet of all times who skillfully described the perception and interpretation of Islam by the Turkish people. His poems dealing with tolerance and love towards all the people living on this earth have led him to remain alive in the hearts and memories of people for many years.


Ahmet Adnan Saygun, one of the most prominent Turkish composers, wrote “Yunus Emre Oratorio” in 1942. Since its premiere in Ankara in 1947, the oratorio has been translated into five languages and performed worldwide.
I look forward to the concert this evening, which I believe, is a product of hard work and timeless efforts. I commend the organizer of this remarkable event, The Choir Winfridia of the City of Fulda. Thank you again and wish the best of success in your future endeavors.



I want to end my words by verses of Yunus Emre. First in Turkish if I may:
Gelin tanış olalım,
İşin kolay tutalım,
Sevelim sevilelim,
Dünya kimseye kalmaz.

Come, let us all be friends for once,
Let us make life easy on us,
Let us be lovers and loved ones,
The world shall be left to no one.

Thank you.