Şanghay Turizm Fuarı Türkiye Kültür Tanıtım Resepsiyonu

Emre Engin 22.09.2023
Dear friends,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be here among you and have the opportunity to address you about the boundless opportunities of tourism and cultural exchange between Türkiye and China.

After three brutal years of Covid restrictions, finally the boundaries are open. People are travelling freely. And it is time for us to work more closely to tap into our large bilateral tourism potential.

I believe I can speak with a good degree of certainty that in the coming years Türkiye will again be one of the favorite destinations of Chinese people.

I say this with confidence because I know that during their travels Chinese people wish to spend quality time in a land with a rich history, where they can taste delicious food in a relaxed and friendly environment. They are passionate about culture and history. They wish to travel to new destinations, meet new people and learn more about different cultures. In essence, they seek an experience that will enrichen their lives and widen their perspectives.

And for our Chinese friends what better place to visit but TÜRKİYE.

So I wish to briefly highlight three aspects of my country that I believe make a trip to Türkiye a totally unique experience.

Firstly HISTORY.

Türkiye is known as the "land connects East and West," and has been a cradle of civilizations for thousands of years. It is a land where the echoes of earliest human civilizations whisper through every corner, and the traditions of the past resonate in the present. It is a land that seamlessly blends ancient cultures with our modern world.

We know that Chinese people love to take a surreal journey through time by exploring Cappadocia, with its enchanting fairy chimneys and elaborate underground cities.

But Türkiye's allure extends far beyond Cappadocia. Our country is adorned with countless historical treasures. Our culture loving Chinese friends can explore
the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, marvel at the intricate designs of the Blue Mosque, or wander through the ancient ruins of Ephesus that boasts the grandeur of Roman architecture.

And only in Türkiye they can go back thousands of years in time and visit the oldest temple complex on earth. GÖBEKLITEPE, the most astonishing archaeological discoveries of our time, that dates back over 12,000 years. This remarkable archaeological wonder beckons you to delve into the mysteries of ancient Anatolia, where humankind's first steps from hunter-gatherers towards organized society were taken.

Another unique experience Türkiye offers is of course the world famous TURKISH CUISINE. It is an exceptional fusion of old Turkish cuisine with Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European cuisines. Whether it's the tender kebabs, delicious baklava, or the savory Turkish delight, our food will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

And when you talk about Turkish Cuisine you can’t miss the third unique experience that you can only get in Türkiye. TURKISH HOSPITALITY. In our country, we wholeheartedly believe in the warm embrace of HOSPITALITY. When they visit Türkiye, our Chinese friends will not be just our guests; but they will become a part of our family. From sharing a cup of traditional Turkish tea to enjoying a home-cooked meal, they will feel the warmth of Turkish hospitality. Sharing a meal with locals turns a tasty culinary experience into a warm cultural exchange that creates a genuine travel experience with lasting memories.


When you combine these unique cultural aspects with the diverse NATURAL BEAUTIES from the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia to the pristine beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and many CULTURAL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES such as the Whirling Dervishes performances, the International Istanbul Film Festival or the Antalya International Film Festival, there is always an unforgettable experience for everyone, be it an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast.

So in conclusion, there is a reason why Türkiye is the fourth most visited country in the world.

Our country is a treasure trove of culture and natural beauty, with a profound connection to its ancient roots. As representatives of the Chinese travel agencies and media, I believe you have the power to introduce these exceptional wonders of Türkiye to countless eager travelers.

So I invite you to ignite the curiosity and passion of the Chinese people, so that they can embark on this journey to explore the depths of Turkish culture, and create unforgettable experiences.

Thank you.

Atatürk

Özlem KURAL Consul General
Monday - Friday

09:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 18:00

Visa applications are received every weekday between 09.00 and 12.00.
1/1/2024 1/2/2024 New Year Holiday
2/10/2024 2/17/2024 Spring Festival
4/4/2024 4/6/2024 Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day)
4/10/2024 4/10/2024 Eid al-Fitr
5/1/2024 5/5/2024 Labor Day
6/8/2024 6/10/2024 Dragon Boat Festival
6/16/2024 6/16/2024 Eid al-Adha
9/15/2024 9/17/2024 Mid Autumn Festival
10/1/2024 10/4/2024 Chinese National Day
10/29/2024 10/29/2024 National Day of the Republic of Türkiye