May 14, 2008
 


The governments of Turkey and Japan agreed to designate the Year 2003 as "The Year of Turkey in Japan" during the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister to Japan in April 2000.

Turkey and Japan already enjoy very close relations, and both governments have been working closely together to make this year a memorable event. During the year, various events will be held in Japan with a view to further promoting Turkish culture and history in Japan, and offering the Japanese people opportunity to experience a flavor of Turkey in their hearts and minds.


The Discovery of Mutual Friendship
 Formal diplomatic relations between modern Japan and Turkey started in 1923 when Japan signed the Lausanne Treaty accepting...

In recent years Orhan Pamuk has become the focus of literary debates in Turkey. The best Turkish novelists' style is often compared to Borges. Pamuk's most recent book, “My Name Is Red”, is about the impact of European Renaissance painting on the insular world of 16th century Islamic illustrators.

German-Turkish director Fatih Akin's "Gegen Die Wand" (Head On) won the Golden Bear, the top prize at the 54th Berlinale.

After taking second place at the European Championship, Turkey finished seventh at the World Cup in Japan. But 19-year-old Neslihan Demir did rather better than that.

Turkey won the Eurovision Song contest for the first time since the event was founded 48 year ago, with well known singer Sertab Erener and her song "Every Way That I Can", a lively performance supported by a belly dance backing group. (26.05.2003)

Uzak (Distant), directed by of Nuri Bilge Ceylan. In the 56th Cannes Film Festival, Uzak won the Grand Prize, and the two leading actors won the Best Actor Prize. (25.05.2003)

"I hope I will represent the women of the world and Turkey in a good way" said Azra. "I am very honoured to be Miss World.

After reaching first UEFA European Championship in 1996 and the quarter finals of the same competition in 2000, Turkey took third place at the FIFA World Cup 2002 with an outstanding performance.

Ilhan Mansiz Special