On September 14, 2024, the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Turkey successfully organized a celebration for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event welcomed over 30 Chinese language learners from various universities across Turkey, including METU, Bilkent University, Ankara University, Hacı Bayram Veli University, Hacettepe University, TED University, and Ankara Atatürk High School.

     The ceremony commenced with an opening speech by Ms. Wang Ying, Director of the Confucius Institute at METU. She warmly greeted the attendees, highlighting that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant traditional Chinese celebration symbolizing reunion and homesickness. Ms. Wang expressed her hope that the event would enhance the understanding of the Mid-Autumn Festival's cultural background among Turkish participants, fostering greater cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Turkey. She reaffirmed the Confucius Institute's commitment to building bridges of cultural exchange between the two countries, further promoting bilateral relations.

     Following her speech, Prof. Dr. Ömer Delialioğlu, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, took the stage to review the 16-year history of the Institute's presence in Turkey. He highlighted the Institute's substantial contributions to cultural exchange and cooperation in language education between China and Turkey, and voiced his optimism for continued collaboration and future successes.

     Ms. Zhou Meifen, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Turkey, delivered a speech next, commending the Confucius Institute for its role in promoting cultural exchange. Quoting, "Civilizations become more colorful through exchange, and richer through mutual learning," she stressed the importance of cultural interaction. Ms. Zhou emphasized that the Mid-Autumn Festival serves not only as a key symbol of Chinese culture but also as an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding. She noted the added significance of this year's celebration, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and expressed her hopes for even deeper cultural, educational, and other forms of cooperation between the two countries, propelling bilateral relations forward.

    The event featured a variety of cultural segments, including storytelling, poetry recitations, musical performances, and mooncake making.

    In the "Story of the Moon" segment, participants learned about the Chinese legend of "Chang'e Flying to the Moon" and engaged in a knowledge quiz to deepen their understanding of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Turkish student Eren Berk Karabulut shared a traditional Turkish moon-related legend, which captivated the audience's interest.

   During the "Poetry Recitation" segment, students showcased the fusion of Chinese and Turkish cultures through poetry. They recited classic Chinese poems, such as "Water Melody: A Moonlit Night" and "Thinking of a Distant Land Under the Moon." Turkish student Ayperi Öztürk then recited the Turkish poem "Ay," which translates as "Yueliang" in Chinese, further blending the two cultures. The segment sparked lively discussions about the symbolic significance of the moon in both cultures, enriching the students' cross-cultural perspectives.

   In the "Musical Performance" segment, student Elif Azra Gül performed a Chinese song titled "Flowers and Moon," reflecting her affection for Chinese culture. The event reached a climactic moment when all participants joined in singing "China in the Light," collectively expressing their heartfelt congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

   The celebration concluded with a "Mooncake Making" activity, where students, under the guidance of Confucius Institute teacher Wang Kangjing, learned to make traditional Chinese mooncakes, immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese festive cuisine.

   The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebration ended in a joyful and warm atmosphere, enhancing Turkish students' understanding of Chinese culture and building new bridges for cultural exchange between China and Turkey. Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute at METU remains committed to promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations, further contributing to the development of bilateral relations.