11th Turkish Language Olympiads Madagascar finals held in the capital Antananarivo witnessed joyful scenes. Antananarivo Ambassador of Turkey Ahmet Ercument Enc, Madagascar Poets and Authors Association Honorary President Philipe Desire Ramakavelo, Provincial Directorate of Education officials and various state officials were present at the event that took place at five-star Carlton Hotel.
Top 10 finalists performed their songs and poems. Turkish folk dances, Madagascan songs and dances also livened up the event. Turkish folk dance “Silifke’nin Yogurdu” particularly received a big round of applause from the audience. The judge committee of the finals, a genuine demonstration of Turkish-Madagascan friendship, consisted of names including Poets and Authors Association Honorary President Philipe Desire Ramakavelo and a renowned Madagascan singer Elda Narijaona Allas Dah Mama.
Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Ercument Enc said that International Isik School operating in Antananarivo functions like a cultural attaché and thanked the school’s administration and teachers for their service.
The principal of a Turkish school, Metin Okumus highlighted the mission the schools took on as he noted that they extend bridges of love between the two countries. He additionally said that their students’ interest in Turkish language is continuously increasing in which such organizations certainly have a significant role.
Published [in Turkish] on Timeturk, 17 March 2013, Sunday