On March 22, 2025, the Confucius Institute at the Middle East Technical University (METU CI) in Türkiye successfully held the "2025 Chinese Poetry Recitation and Chinese Song" competition. During the preparation phase, the students of METU CI were eager to showcase their talents on stage. They gathered around their teachers to select suitable poetry works; they listened repeatedly to the Chinese songs they chose, attempting to capture the rhythm and emotional shifts of each note. Everyone dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the competition. Ultimately, 16 contestants stood out and competed on March 22.

In the poetry recitation segment, the contestants interpreted classic works with rich emotions and beautiful voices. The recitation repertoire included Mao Zedong's "Snow-to the Tune of Qin Yuan Chun", Lin Huiyin's "You Are the April Days on Earth", Xu Zhimo's "Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again", Yue Fei's "The River All Red" and Hu Jinghui's "I Love You, China". The contestants vividly showcased the artistic charm of poetry, captivating the audience deeply. During the song performance segment, the contestants poured their hearts into their singing, with their voices resonating powerfully, allowing the audience to feel the cultural resonance through the music. The refreshing melody of "A Little" brought a lightness reminiscent of a spring breeze; The song "Friends" was heartfelt and melodious, touching the hearts of the audience, prompting them to join in the chorus; the melodious tune of "A Branch of Plum Blossom" immersed the audience in the unique charm of Chinese music. "Look Over Here, Girls" ignited the atmosphere with its lively and upbeat rhythm, eliciting waves of laughter and applause.

After fierce competition, Eren Berk Karabulut won the first place in the recitation contest with his powerful presence and solid language skills. Meanwhile, Fatma Doğan captivated the audience with her sweet and moving rendition of "A Little" winning first place in the singing competition. The event concluded successfully amidst the enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, leaving all participants with an unforgettable cultural experience. This competition was part of the METU CI's series of activities celebrating "UN Chinese Language Day". In April, the institute will also host various cultural events, including a calligraphy competition and a joint school garden party, providing students with a platform to showcase themselves and promote cultural exchange between China and Türkiye.