ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The Consulate of Pakistan and
Istanbul chapter of Turkey-Pakistan Women Friendship Association
organized a literary event to commemorate the national poet of
Pakistan and great Muslim philosopher of the 20th century Dr. Allama
Muhammad Iqbal.
The event was attended by a large number of guests from the
academia, civil society, political parties, Pakistan community and
students, said a press release received here.
Welcoming the guests, Ulay Hancioglu, Chairperson of Turkey-
Pakistan Women Friendship Association said it was great honour for
her association to commemorate the great Muslim philosopher in
Turkey.
She expressed her keen desire to continue organizing such
activities in future that would further promote brotherly relations
between Pakistan and Turkey.
Dr. Yusuf Junaid, Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul paid
rich tributes to the services of Ulay Hancioglu spanning over 40
years, terming her as “ambassador of Pakistan-Turkey relations.”
Dr. Junaid said Iqbal’s thoughts were greatly inspired by the
teachings of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) while Turkish mystic Sufi
Jalaluddin Rumi had also influence on Iqbal’s philosophy.
He said the idea that Iqbal presented in his famous keynote
address to the session of Muslim League in Allahabad in 1930 for a
separate homeland for Muslims finally became a reality in 1947 in
the shape of a new independent country “Pakistan.”
Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Chairman of Urdu Department, Istanbul
University, in his address highlighted Iqbal’s political thought.
He said Iqbal, the great thinker and poet of the East made
tremendous efforts for unity of the Muslim Ummah. Through his
writings, Iqbal encouraged the Muslims to develop their own
identity.
Dr. Halil said Iqbal was introduced to Turkey through the
efforts of Turkey’s national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy. Translations of
Iqbal’s works by Ali Nihat Tarlan increased awareness about Iqbal in
the contemporary Muslim world while mass understanding of Iqbal in
Turkey was made possible through the writings of Abdulkadir Karahan,
he added.
Prof. Dr. Celal Soydan of Urdu Department at Istanbul
University spoke about Iqbal’s views on reforms in Turkey.
He said Iqbal, who himself wanted Muslims to reform themselves
in the contemporary era according to emergent needs, greatly
appreciated reforms undertaken in Turkey during Iqbal’s lifetime.
Muhammad Hanif Khan, PhD student at Urdu Department of
Istanbul University spoke about reason and love (Ishq) in Iqbal’s
philosophy. Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Bursa Murat
Tarman also shared his views on the occasion.
Awards were presented to successful high schools students of
Istanbul city who composed essays on the topic of ‘Pakistan Turkey
Relations’. Both Pakistani and Turk students also read from the
poetry of Iqbal.