On April 25 local time, in celebration of the 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day and the 7th International Chinese Language Day, and to further enhance the international communication and influence of the Chinese language and culture, the Middle East Technical University Confucius Institute successfully held a Chinese Hard-Pen Calligraphy Competition as an important part of its 2026 International Chinese Language Day cultural events series.
Before the competition began, teachers from the Confucius Institute introduced the background and cultural significance of International Chinese Language Day to the participants and provided a detailed explanation of the competition procedures, judging criteria, and writing content. A total of 80 students registered for the event. The selected writing materials featured representative classical Chinese poems, emphasizing not only the demonstration of writing techniques but also the profound cultural heritage embodied in Chinese literature. The competition aimed to comprehensively assess students’ understanding of Chinese character structure, aesthetic appreciation, and calligraphic composition.
The competition venue was orderly and filled with enthusiasm. Participants remained calm and focused as they wrote, skillfully combining the beauty of Chinese character strokes with their own interpretations and understanding. Whether beginners or students with prior calligraphy experience, all participants demonstrated a positive learning attitude and strong enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture. Through every carefully written stroke, they expressed both respect and appreciation for the art of Chinese calligraphy, as well as an active spirit of exploration toward Chinese culture.
After the competition, the judging panel conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the works from multiple dimensions, including writing accuracy, character structure, layout, and artistic expression. In the end, 20 students stood out and received first, second, and third prizes, as well as Excellence Awards. The winning works will be displayed on the Confucius Institute’s photo wall to further create a vibrant Chinese-learning atmosphere and inspire students’ enthusiasm for studying Chinese characters and Chinese culture.
The Middle East Technical University Confucius Institute has long been committed to promoting the localized development of Chinese language education and Chinese culture in Türkiye. Upholding the philosophy of “language as a bridge and culture as a medium,” the Institute continuously expands both the forms and content of its cultural activities. Through this hard-pen calligraphy competition, students not only improved their Chinese character writing skills and aesthetic literacy, but also deepened their understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture through hands-on practice. Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute will continue to build diverse and enriching cultural exchange platforms, helping Chinese language learners gain deeper cultural experiences beyond language study and further promoting mutual understanding and people-to-people connectivity between Chinese and Turkish youth.