Turkish Language Day Celebrated in Baghdad
September 26, 2026
Turkish Language Day, observed on 26 September, was celebrated in Baghdad with a special event organised jointly by Turkish Maarif Foundation and Yunus Emre Institute. Bringing together students from different cultural backgrounds through Turkish, the event highlighted the role of language in strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Iraq.
Turkish Maarif Foundation and Yunus Emre Institute organised a special event in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to mark the 94th anniversary of Turkish Language Day on 26 September.
Held at Maarif Schools in Baghdad, the programme was attended by Turkish Maarif Foundation Representative in Iraq Ali Arıkmert, Baghdad Yunus Emre Institute Coordinator İbrahim Özbilgin, representatives of the Embassy of Türkiye in Baghdad, academics, students and invited guests.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and the Turkish National Anthem. Following the opening speeches, students took the stage with Turkish poetry recitals and performances.
Speaking at the event, Turkish Maarif Foundation Representative in Iraq Ali Arıkmert emphasised that Turkish-language education goes beyond language teaching and drew attention to the shared historical, cultural and civilisational heritage of Türkiye and Iraq.
“Teaching Turkish is not merely about teaching a language; it also serves as a strong bridge between the two countries in terms of their historical, cultural, geographical and civilisational ties,” Arıkmert said.
Highlighting the significance of bringing together institutions working in the field of Turkish language education in Baghdad on the occasion of Turkish Language Day, Arıkmert stressed that Turkish holds a special place for Türkiye and Iraq, two countries with a shared civilisational heritage.
Baghdad Yunus Emre Institute Coordinator İbrahim Özbilgin said that one of the main objectives of their Turkish-language education activities in Iraq is to increase interest in Turkish and share experience and expertise in the field.
Referring to the students’ performances during the programme, Özbilgin said they were particularly pleased to see students from different cultural backgrounds contributing to the event through Turkish poems and stage performances.
Students from Different Cultures Come Together Through Turkish
Students from different countries also shared their thoughts and feelings about the Turkish language during the event.
Muhammed, a Sudanese student, described what Turkish means to him, saying: “For us, Turkish means a feeling, a way of life, a culture and a new world.”
The programme, which brought together people with an interest in the Turkish language, concluded with Turkish poetry recitals and commemorative photographs.
