― 9 сентября 2026 г.

Deputy Secretary General Yusuf’s visit to North Macedonia highlighted cultural cooperation and Ziya Gökalp

On a working visit in North Macedonia, TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf, met with Mr. Zülfikar Zeynula, the Minister of State of the Republic of North Macedonia and Chairman of the Turkish Democratic Party. 

Issues discussed in the meeting pertained to areas of joint cultural cooperation and events to be held within the framework of the  Year  of Ziya Gökalp 2026. In the meeting held in Skopje, the capital, areas for inter-institutional cooperation aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the Turkic World and the Balkans were also assessed. 

While new projects to enhance engagement with the Turkish community in North Macedonia were discussed, Deputy Secretary General Yusuf emphasised the special importance TURKSOY attaches to activities of cultural integration carried out in the Balkans. One of the key topics of the visit, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, was the declaration of 2026 as the ‘Commemorative Year of Ziya Gökalp’ upon decision of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY and activities carried out in the region within this framework.

Deputy Secretary General Yusuf provided State Minister Zeynula with information regarding the calendar of the tour for the theatre play “The vision of a Brave Man” which is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the  birthday of the famous author and will be performed overseas for the first time today in Gostivar. In the meeting, it was further stated that introducing Ziya Gökalp’s cultural heritage and his understanding of language, nation and identity to the Balkans will further strengthen the bonds between the two communities.

Mr. Zülfikar Zeynula, the State Minister of North Macedonia, expressed his pleasure to meet with Deputy Secretary General Yusuf and noted his strong appreciation as t activities of cultural diplomacy carried out by TURKSOY across the region. 

State Minister Zeynula also expressed his readiness to support any form of institutional cooperation and projects aimed at the preservation of shared historical and cultural values and strengthening the ties of compatriots with their homeland.