The official opening of the old Karagöz Bey Madrasah building, renovated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and allocated to use by Yunus Emre Institute's Mostar branch, has been performed with the participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

The opening ceremony of the historical madrasah was also attended by Minister of Education and Science of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) Elvira Dilberovic, TİKA President Serdar Çam, Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, Director General of Foundations Adnan Ertem, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sarajevo Haldun Koç, Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic and many guests.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy delivered a keynote speech, drawing attention to the importance of cultural sharing for the continuation of bilateral relations. Ersoy pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina has numerous historical monuments which serve as bridges between the past and future. Noting that the historic Karagöz Bey Madrasah, renovated by the TİKA, which has undertaken to implement more than 850 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been allocated to Yunus Emre Institute for proper use, Minister Ersoy stated that cultural sharing is important for the continuation of relations.

In her speech, Minister of Education and Science of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elvira Dilberovic indicated that the project of renovation of Karagöz Bey Madrasah is a sign of friendship between the two countries and this friendship is further enhanced with the agreements in the field of education. Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic stated that the joint steps are signs of good faith. "Education and culture liberate people and make us feel secure. Therefore, it is our duty to consolidate the bridges and relations between the two countries," he said.

"My Dream Teacher"

An award ceremony has been held for the award-winning students in "My Dream Teacher" essay competition, jointly organized by Sarajevo Embassy and Yunus Emre Institute to mark November 24 Teachers' Day.

Adina Kahriman, from Travnik Elçi İbrahim Pasha Madrasah, who won the first place, was given her award by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. Hava Kadusic, from Musa High School in Tešanj, who won the second place, was presented her award by Minister of Education and Science of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elvira Dilberovic while Zerina Hondo, from Parsovici Primary School in Konjic, was given her award by Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic.

During the ceremony, Amina Macak, a trainee at Yunus Emre Institute's Mostar branch, sang a Turkish song with her guitar, gaining the appreciation of the Turkish delegation. The program ended after the distribution of gifts.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy signed the Institute's memorial book, celebrating the outstanding efforts of Yunus Emre Institute to raise voluntary ambassadors.