Distinguished Guests, Esteemed
Scholars, Ladies and Gentlemen,

-It is a great pleasure for me to be here today.

-We gather to celebrate the new book of Professor
Giray Fidan and Dr. Ayşe Gül Fidan.

-As you well know, Mr. Fidan is a distinguished
Turkish Professor who makes significant contributions to Chinese studies in
both Türkiye and China.

-Professor Giray Fidan has translated several Chinese
classics to Turkish. Among them;

-Art of War of Sun Tzu,

-Art of Governance of Wang Jing,

-Dream of the Red Chamber of Cao
Xueqin.

-And he promised to me during our
previous exchanges, he would be so kind to translate in Turkish, The Book of
Changes of I Ching as one of the most important Chinese classics.

-Therefore, I firmly believe that this remarkable book
will be a significant milestone in the academic and cultural exchange between
Türkiye and China.

Distinguished Guests,

-Türkiye and China, as two great civilizations, have
long been connected by the Silk Road.

-But, this connection was much more than just trade.

-It was also the exchange of ideas, culture and
knowledge.

-Therefore, this book rises on the foundations of the
rich history of both countries by connecting the past with the present.

-The book clearly puts forward that the roots of
Sinology in Türkiye go back to Hıtâyname written in the 16^th century
during the reign of Ottoman Empire.

-Hıtâyname is a travel book written in the 16^th
century by a Turkish traveler named Ali Ekber who has visited many parts of
China at that time.

-Hıtâyname contains valuable information such as the
cities and fortresses of China in addition to Chinese festivals and culture.

-Therefore, I have no doubt that Mr. Fidan’s new book will
be a source of reference for various scholars and readers interested in
Sinology.

-The book illuminates the pioneering efforts of
Turkish scholars who were driven by curiosity and a deep respect for Chinese
culture.

-These early scholars laid the foundations of Sinology
in Türkiye.

-Their work has enabled generations of Turkish
students and academics to explore and understand the vast and rich heritage of
China.

Dear Guests,

-In today's world, the exchange of knowledge and
cultural understanding is more crucial than ever.

-Therefore, the role of academic works like Professor
Fidan’s book is quite significant.

-Because these academic works help us better
understand the cultural diversity and similarity. For me, this is something
that enriches our global community.

-The dedication of scholars not only contribute to
academic field but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between our
countries.

Distinguished Guests,

-As I conclude my remarks here, I would like to extend
my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Giray Fidan and Dr. Ayşe Gül Fidan,
the authors of this meaningful book.

-In recognizing this significant work, I must also
extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Turkish publishing house Kırmızı Kedi
and its founder Mr. Haluk Hepkon.

-Yesterday, I also participated the 3rd Innovation
Exchange Conference of Beijing International Literature Academy Deans and
witnessed the fruitful exchanges between
Kırmızı Kedi and Beijing Lao She Literature Academy.

-I am glad to see that the cooperation in the
publishing field between our countries is also improving by your efforts.

Thank you all for your attention.