In Karachi, a gathering of diplomats, academics, politicians, and journalists took place on Sunday to pay tribute to the celebrated poet, writer, diplomat, and Turkey’s inaugural ambassador to Pakistan, Yahya Kemal Beyatli.
The event was organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, during the inauguration of a three-day portrait exhibition dedicated to showcasing the contributions of one of the foremost representatives of Turkish poetry during the Republican era. His poetry and prose have continued to inspire generations.
The exhibition featured numerous portraits highlighting Beyatli’s diplomatic service in various phases of his life, drawing a significant crowd of art and poetry enthusiasts on its opening day. Beyatli served as Turkey’s top diplomat in the newly established Pakistan from 1947 to 1949, with his diplomatic assignment based in Karachi, which was the capital of Pakistan at the time.
Among the displayed portraits was one that contained a message from Pakistan’s founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to Beyatli at the time of his appointment as ambassador to Pakistan in 1947. The message expressed the hope for closer political and diplomatic ties between the two nations, aiming to contribute to global peace and prosperity.
During the ceremony, provincial Law Minister Omer Soomro highlighted how Beyatli’s work exemplifies his deep affection not only for Turkey but also for humanity, as he bridged diverse cultures through his writings. Soomro also emphasized one of Beyatli’s poems that particularly reflects his love for Istanbul.
The Turkish Consul General in Karachi, Cemal Sangu, extended his gratitude to the Arts Council for organizing the exhibition, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to delve into the rich history of diplomatic and cultural relations between Turkey and Pakistan.
Ahmad Shah, the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, observed that while diplomatic ties between the two countries have spanned over 75 years, their association, rooted in shared cultural and religious values, has existed for centuries.
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