Int’l language and culture festival ends with spectacular ceremony in Germany

A remarkable closing ceremony was held in Dusseldorf on Saturday night for 12 th International Language and Culture Festival under the motto “Hearts United with the participation of students from 145 countries.

The event, which was sponsored by the International Turkish Education Association's (TÜRKÇEDER), took place at ISS Dome arean. The arena was fleck by around 15,000 people, most of whom Turkish people living in the European countries.

Head of the TÜRKÇEDER Ali Ursavaş made a speech at the beginning of the ceremony saying that a strong bridge of friendship was formed among the students thanks to the festival, which is a very promising step for the future.

German deputy Seyran Ateş received Turkish Special Award during the ceremony. “I do not bow down in front of anyone, but I bow down in front of these children,” said Ateş referring to the students participating in the festival.

Students performed dances, songs and special shows at the ceremony, which received great applause from the audience.

A message from well-known Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen who inspired the Hizmet Movement was also recited at the ceremony. “At a time when rage, hatred and war prevail in different places of the world, some people see path to science, love and peace as far away. However, as it is said in a Japanese proverb ‘If you have a good friend with you, no way is far to you’, said the message. Gülen also expressed his special thanks to German people for hosting the festival.

Published on Cihan, 22 June 2014, Sunday