Founded under Law No. 5653 in 2007, the Yunus Emre Foundation is a public organization established to promote Turkey’s language, history, culture, and art. Its objectives include providing information and resources related to these fields to the international community, offering Turkish language and cultural education abroad, and enhancing cultural exchanges between Turkey and other countries. As an affiliate of the Foundation, the Yunus Emre Institute focuses on teaching Turkish and conducting cultural and artistic activities abroad. Since its establishment in 2009, the Institute has expanded its international presence, opening cultural centers worldwide.
Organizational Structure and Areas of Activity
The Yunus Emre Institute operates in two main areas: Teaching Turkish to Foreigners and Cultural and Artistic Activities. To ensure the efficient and effective execution of its activities, the Institute is organized into several departments:
- The Education Department oversees efforts related to teaching Turkish.
- The Cultural Promotion and Projects Department plans and executes cultural and artistic projects.
- The Strategic Development Department handles annual planning, strategic goals, and institutional analyses.
- The Support Services and IT Department and the Human Resources Department provide logistical and infrastructural support.
- The Private Office Directorate coordinates the President’s schedule and maintains internal and external communication.
International Cultural Centers and Collaborations
With over 80 cultural centers in various countries, the Yunus Emre Institute plays a significant role in Turkey’s cultural diplomacy. These centers not only offer Turkish language courses but also organize events to promote Turkey’s culture and art. The Institute collaborates with educational institutions worldwide, supporting Turkish Studies departments and Turkish language education. Additionally, the Institute represents Turkey at international events and fosters cultural exchange through its projects and activities.
The Philosophy and Goals of the Yunus Emre Institute
The Institute is named after Yunus Emre, a 13th and 14th-century Anatolian mystic. Renowned for his messages of love for humanity, social harmony, and universal values, Yunus Emre not only contributed to the development of the Turkish language but also promoted a philosophy that emphasizes living together in peace around shared values, transcending religious, linguistic, and racial differences. The Institute adopts this philosophy as its guiding principle, aiming to reflect these ideals in its initiatives.
Vision and Mission
The Institute’s vision is to increase the number of people worldwide who establish ties with Turkey and are friends of the country. Its mission is to enhance Turkey’s global visibility, credibility, and reputation. Through cultural diplomacy, the Yunus Emre Institute strives to contribute to international peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
The Yunus Emre Institute is a strategic institution dedicated to introducing Turkey’s cultural values to the world and fostering a positive international perception of the country. Its diverse efforts in language teaching, cultural and artistic activities, and international collaborations demonstrate the Institute’s pivotal role in advancing Turkey’s soft power. Guided by the human-centric philosophy of Yunus Emre, the Institute contributes to global peace and dialogue, aligning with Turkey’s cultural diplomacy goals.
