AIOU Launches Turkish Summer Camp to Promote Cultural Exchange and Youth Engagement

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has inaugurated a two-week Turkish Summer Camp, offering a dynamic platform to promote cross-cultural education and nurture creativity, linguistic skills, and physical development among Pakistani youth.

Organized in collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute and the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, the initiative underscores the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, focusing on fostering people-to-people connections through educational exchange.

Held at AIOU’s Islamabad campus, the camp was inaugurated in a festive ceremony attended by children, their families, and distinguished officials from Pakistan and Türkiye.

The opening event was graced by:

• Dr. Zahid Majeed, Director, AIOU International Office
• Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar, Director, Yunus Emre Institute
• Dr. Mehmet Toyran, Turkish Education Attaché
• Prof. Dr. Samina Tokar, Turkish language expert

Dr. Majeed emphasized the camp’s mission to nurture creativity, cultural awareness, and personal development in children, calling it a “living bridge between the people of Pakistan and Türkiye.”

Running until July 18, 2025, the camp features three engaging sessions per day:

1. Turkish Language Classes – Children learn everyday vocabulary and basic conversation through fun, interactive methods.
2. Calligraphy Workshops – Inspired by Turkish-Islamic art traditions, students practice the graceful strokes of classic calligraphy.
3. Traditional Turkish Games – Activities such as archery and Mangala promote physical fitness and cultural understanding.

Prof. Dr. Khalil Tokar highlighted the educational value of these hands-on experiences, which he said “help young learners connect with the essence of Türkiye’s cultural legacy.”

AIOU has announced that the closing ceremony will be held on July 18, featuring:

• Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, AIOU Vice Chancellor
• Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, as chief guest

Children will receive certificates of participation, and present language skits and creative performances reflecting their learnings from the camp.

The Turkish Summer Camp aligns with AIOU’s mission to foster international cooperation and cultural literacy among youth. The program is part of a broader effort to introduce intercultural education, strengthen Pakistan–Türkiye ties, and promote soft diplomacy through people-to-people connections.

Dr. Mehmet Toyran praised the initiative, stating:

This camp reinforces AIOU’s strategic vision to promote international cooperation and enhance youth engagement through cultural diplomacy

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