Writer Peren Birsaygılı Mut delivered a speech titled “Cultural Diplomacy and Literature” at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings. Mut drew attention to the historical role of literature in establishing unshakable bonds between societies.
Taking the stage as part of the 20th Anatolian Gatherings organized by the Anatolian Federation in Ankara Kızılcahamam, esteemed writer and documentarian Peren Birsaygılı Mut shared with the participants the transformative impact of literature on diplomatic relations, accompanied by historical examples. Emphasizing that the most fundamental way to rebuild strong bridges with the rights in our sphere of hearts is through a shared literary memory, the writer stated that instilling this awareness particularly among young people is of vital importance.
LET’S ADD BOOKS NEXT TO THE AID PACKAGES
Referring to the place of literature in the struggle for dignity, Peren Birsaygılı Mut conveyed that art and words are not merely an aesthetic tool, but can also become the greatest weapon of resistance for freedom and honor, with the words, “They used to tell us, ‘Do not engage in literature.’ Yes, we did literature to defend the dignity of our people.” She also stated that the intense interest shown in Turkish literature at the book fair in Damascus was a reflection of this shared sense of destiny. In addition, she emphasized that cultural ties should be supported by humanitarian aid, saying, “When we take a novel, a book of poetry, or a book of stories to every home to which we deliver an aid package, our bonds will undoubtedly become much stronger.”
CULTURAL DIPLOMACY SPREADS THROUGH LITERATURE
Reminding that cultural diplomacy spread throughout the Islamic world through literature long before modern tools, Mut stated that figures such as Ibn Battuta and Evliya Çelebi were the first architects of this bridge. As an example from recent history, she drew attention to the role undertaken by Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s Sebilürreşad magazine. “The horizon that sees Egypt as equal to India, Jerusalem to Baghdad, Damascus to Gaziantep actually offers us a very beautiful reflection,” the writer said, explaining to the participants how a magazine, despite limited means, could inspire a great awakening throughout the entire Islamic world.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO WRITE LITERATURE
Emphasizing that Türkiye’s global success in the field of humanitarian aid should be supported by the export of literature and culture, the writer stated that a literary mobilization is essential for the permanent establishment of regional peace. Mut outlined a cultural vision in this direction for civil society organizations and young people. In the final part of her speech, Mut emphasized how the West, and particularly the Zionist movement, transformed literature into an organized force in line with its own objectives, reminding the audience of the lessons that should be drawn from this situation. Expressing her wish that the youth of Anatolia and the youth of Jerusalem, Aleppo and Damascus come together around a shared horizon by reading the same books, the writer concluded her speech by saying, “We will continue to make literature in order to defend our dignity.”
