Enhancing EU-Turkey relations: Insights from Eskisehir
Şevval Selinay Halıcı
Relations between the European Union and Turkey have a deep history and diversity in the cultural as well as political and economic spheres. In recent years, cooperation and interaction in this area has been increasing. Gökhan Can Çobansoy, coordinator of the Eskişehir EU Information Center at the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce, answered questions about the two regions.
How would you describe the historical and cultural ties between the European Union and Turkey?
The historical and cultural ties between the European Union and Turkey are quite deep. Turkey is a multicultural country with a long history and Anatolian lands have been home to many civilizations. This historical richness has enabled Turkey to establish deep ties with Europe’s historical and cultural heritage.
What are the most important elements of the two regions’ common heritage?
The most important elements of the common heritage of the European Union and Turkey include many tangible and intangible elements. Ancient ruins and historical buildings belonging to different civilizations in this beautiful geography of ours serve as a bridge, common mythological and legendary elements that have been told and sung for centuries, interactions in almost every field of art, our music culture as a result of our common cultural memory, and finally the historical roots of trade and economic relations that form the basis of neighborly relations.
What have been the interactions and exchanges between the artistic and cultural traditions of the European Union and Turkey?
There is a long history of interaction between the artistic and cultural traditions of the European Union and Turkey. In particular, the influence of the Ottoman Empire in Europe and the influence of Europe on the Ottoman lands led to mutual interactions in the fields of art, architecture, music, and literature. The results of the east-west synthesis as a result of “Hellenism” are still reflected in the artistic and cultural exchanges of the European Union and Turkey today. The influence of Ottoman architecture on architectural styles in the Balkans and parts of Central Europe, especially mosque and palace architecture, also influenced the baroque style of Ottoman architecture in Europe. The baroque buildings in Istanbul in particular are a good example of this. In the field of music, we have composed pieces inspired by each other, and in the literary field, the interactions between Turkish and European literature have manifested themselves in the genres of stories, fairy tales, and poetry. These examples illustrate the rich interactions between the artistic and cultural traditions of the European Union and Turkey.
What changes have been observed in cultural relations between the European Union and Turkey in the last century?
Globalization and advances in communication technologies have increased cultural interactions between the European Union and Turkey. The whole world is now at our fingertips with a single touch, which is precisely why mutual interaction and exchange in the fields of art, music, cinema, and literature has increased.
Apart from the impact of globalization, the biggest factor is migration and Diaspora. The cultural influence of the Turkish diaspora living in Europe and the influence of different cultures in Europe on Turkey has been part of this accelerating cultural exchange. In addition, tourism activities and cultural diplomacy in an ever-shrinking world have strengthened cultural relations between the European Union and Turkey.
What impact has the European Union had on Turkey’s cultural heritage and diversity?
The biggest impact is arguably the European Union’s support for cultural conservation and restoration. Various projects have been carried out for the protection and restoration of Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage. As an example, the EU Information Center within the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce published the book Sorkun Pottery as part of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage. The European Union’s cultural programs and funds have helped to support cultural events and arts projects in Turkey. Cultural diplomacy has strengthened the European Union’s cultural relations with Turkey and encouraged cultural exchanges. These bilateral relations have been a complementary support for both cultures.
What are the cultural benefits and challenges of Turkey’s accession to the European Union?
Accession to the European Union may allow Turkey to be more influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Europe and establish closer cultural relations with European countries, and thus contribute to the cultural diversity of Europe by protecting and promoting its rich cultural heritage if Turkey becomes a member of the European Union. This may have benefits, as well as adapting to cultural differences and integration difficulties that may be experienced during the accession process to the European Union. While preserving Turkey’s own cultural identity, the process of adapting to European norms and standards can be challenging. These effects and possible benefits/challenges show the complexity and importance of cultural relations between the European Union and Turkey.
In which areas should the European Union and Turkey make more efforts for future cultural cooperation?
As in all areas of communication, its importance is again very great. Just as human relations are strengthened more by effective communication, I liken the communication between countries to this Dec. The increase in our communication through cultural diplomacy leads to an increase in cultural exchange. In addition, the strengthening of understanding and cooperation between people increases Decently through the support of cultural activities. It is also very important to increase cultural interaction among young people through joint projects and exchange programs in the fields of art, music, literature, and education. Dec
What do you think about the human rights and democracy relations between the European Union and Turkey?
This question shows that according to the European Union’s 2022 progress report, Turkey’s EU accession process, as well as human rights and democracy issues, requires more attention and effort. In this context, Turkey needs to continue its democratic reforms and respect human rights. (*)
What progress have the two regions made in this regard?
In the context of human rights and democracy relations between the European Union and Turkey, we have made progress in the field of human rights and human assistance. Dec. The most important example of this is as stated in the European Union 2023 Report (**) “Regarding bilateral financial assistance, the projects under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Financial Assistance (IPA) for Turkey have continued to be implemented under the policy guidance of the EU Budget Authority. Financial assistance under IPA III; focuses on priorities related to the main elements of the expansion strategy and sectors of common strategic interest related to building more durable and more sustainable economies and societies, as well as the green agenda, connectivity, and digitalization agendas.
After the earthquakes that occurred in February 2023, the Commission quickly provided humanitarian aid and relief support to Turkey. In addition, the Commission has committed to donate 1 billion euros to people in Turkey by hosting the International Donors’ Conference for people in Turkey and Syria on March 20, together with the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Apart from emergency aid and humanitarian assistance, the EU will also provide longer-term reconstruction assistance. Assistance covering the areas of health, education, socio-economic support, job creation, and improvement of municipal infrastructure, especially water, and sewerage, will be transferred for the benefit of the population affected by earthquakes in Turkey, including refugees and the people hosting them. In addition, Turkey’s efforts towards refugees are also noteworthy, and the international community should support Turkey in this regard. It is important to make progress on these issues through constructive dialogue and cooperation, taking into account the common interests and values of both sides. assistance will be transferred covering the areas of education, socio-economic support, job creation, and improvement of municipal infrastructure, especially water and sewerage.” As mentioned here, the two regions will continue to make progress in the context of democratic relations by supporting each other in both material and spiritual fields.
What issues still need to be improved?
With a more holistic approach, the issues that relations between Turkey and the European Union need to develop can be expressed in social, political, and cultural terms. Dec. The cultural and fundamental values Decoupled between the two regions need to be further strengthened. In the economic field, it is important to deepen the trade and investment relations between Turkey and the EU. Dec. Updating or expanding free trade agreements can contribute to increasing trade and further strengthening economic cooperation. For the further development of relations between Turkey and the EU, it will be possible to put relations on a more solid and sustainable basis through more holistic close cooperation and reforms in all areas.
What steps can be taken to improve humanitarian relations between the European Union and Turkey?
First of all, various steps can be taken to improve humanitarian relations between the European Union and Turkey. Dec. First, by expanding cultural and educational exchange programs, it can be ensured that people understand each other better and increase cultural diversity. Encouraging cooperation and dialogue between non-governmental organizations can help ensure greater cooperation on common issues such as human rights and democracy. It is very important to increase the projects carried out between the European Union and Turkey and to get to know each other closely through youth exchanges in the two regions. In addition, increasing visa facilitation and travel opportunities can increase human contact by encouraging mutual visits. Oct. In addition, closer cooperation on humanitarian aid and crisis preparedness and increasing cultural diplomacy activities can also contribute to strengthening humanitarian relations. These steps may allow the deepening of people-to-people ties and Decoupling of mutual understanding between the EU and Turkey Decoupling of people-to-people relations between the EU and Turkey.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/country_22_6088
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