Ambassadors visited the African House of Culture

Established in 2016 under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's wife Emine Erdoğan, Africa House continues to set an example in cultural diplomacy. Ambassadors from African countries, who were in Ankara for the 16th Ambassadors Conference, visited the African Handicrafts and Culture House.

Ambassadors visited the Africa House in Hamamönü and examined handicrafts brought from 41 different countries of Africa.

Zeliha Sağlam, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Africa House of Culture, accompanied the ambassadors who came to Turkey for the 16th Ambassadors' Conference and visited Africa House and informed them about the center.

Sağlam said Africa House was established in 2016 under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's wife Emine Erdoğan and is one of the best examples of Turkey's cultural diplomacy.

Sağlam shared information on Africa House activities with the ambassadors.

Stating that many representatives of foreign missions visit Africa House, Sağlam said, "We witness that the guests who come here feel at home and that they describe this place, which reflects Africa as it is, colorful and warm, very well."

Sağlam said that a large number of people from diplomats from 11 different countries participating in the Diplomacy Academy Program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from ministries, institutions such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Yunus Emre Institute (YEE), Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) visited the site.

Sağlam stated that they have signed meetings and cooperation agreements with many national institutions, especially the African Union.

After the presentation on Africa House, Sağlam answered the questions of the participants.

Turkey's Ambassador to Dakar Nur Sağman, stating that Turkey has 44 embassies in the African continent, said: "Turkey has a very special partnership with this continent and our affection is reciprocated. This continent definitely needs a partner like Turkey. Unfortunately, they are peoples who have suffered a lot of injustice and our partnership is very honest and sincere. Our relationship and partnership with this continent is built on the principle of 'win-win' as expressed by our President and Minister."

Noting that the relations with the continent are not only with embassies, Sağman said, "We have Maarif, TIKA, Yunus Emre Institute, Anadolu Agency, Turkish Airlines, in other words, we really exist in many areas and we carry out a very meaningful cooperation in every field mutually, by talking to every country, with our joint decisions."

Stating that an education center was opened in Senegal in partnership with TIKA and Africa House, Sağman said that thousands of students will contribute to the development of the country with the education they receive here.

"Turkey approaches Africa with a win-win policy"
Muhammet Mücahit Küçükyılmaz, Turkish Ambassador to Algeria, said that Turkey attaches special importance to Africa and that this is a strategy that started when President Erdoğan was prime minister.

Pointing out that dynamism has been lost all over the world, but the opposite is happening in Africa, Küçükyılmaz said that new natural resources have been discovered in Africa and its wealth has increased.

Küçükyılmaz emphasized that Turkey does not look at Africa with an imperialist approach and said, "Turkey approaches Africa within the framework of a win-win policy and is the leader of humanitarian diplomacy. Turkey is the country that donates the most in proportion to national income in the world, and this is in great demand in Africa."

Küçükyılmaz stated that people in Algeria call Turks "the honorable of people, the best of people" and that this is a great responsibility and accountability for them.

Küçükyılmaz stated that they are involved in many activities in the region with TIKA and different institutions.

Pointing out that the geographical and cultural diversity in the country represents a great richness, Küçükyılmaz noted that Africa House made great contributions to some of the projects they carried out in Algeria.

During the visit, a music concert was performed by African students.
20.12.2025