24 April 2009
Turkish Australian Cultural Centre Opens in Çanakkale
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has today opened the Turkish Australian Culture Centre at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart (18 March) University to enhance cultural relations between Australia and Turkey, building on the legacy of the Turkish and Australian soldiers who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign.
"In the 94 years since the Gallipoli Campaign, Turks and Australians have forged an enduring friendship through a common history and experience. This centre will further strengthen those ties of cultural understanding and mutual respect," Mr Smith said.
"The Centre will promote academic, cultural and business exchanges and house an Australian studies and literature library. The University's Australian Literature and History courses which have been running for the past two years will now have a teaching and research facility to enable students, community and business groups a focal point for a broad range of other bilateral activities.
"The Centre's program already includes the nationally-recognised art competition sponsored by the Gallipoli Memorial Club in Sydney, the Çanakkale Art Prize, and preparations are underway for an Australian Literature seminar," he said.
The Centre has been made possible through support of the Australian Government, 18 March University and its Rector, Professor Ali Akdemir, Australian historian Professor Ken Inglis, the Victorian Branch of the RSL, the Gallipoli Memorial Club (GMC), Monash University, the Eastern Mediterranean Tourism Association, and a wide range of supporters in Turkey and Australia.
The Centre is also working with the National RSL movement, the Spirit of Gallipoli, the Turkish Australian Business Association and the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs.
"The Centre will allow future generations to explore the people-to-people, business and academic linkages from a relationship born in adversity, but founded on a shared desire for peace and understanding through communication and cooperation."
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555