Türkiye and Syria sign agreement to reopen cultural centres across Syria

Türkiye and Syria have signed an agreement on the establishment, operation and activities of cultural centres in each other's countries, paving the way for Turkish centres to operate across Syria. Under the deal, the Yunus Emre cultural centres will offer Turkish-language courses and promote Turkish culture, with the agreement signed by Türkiye's ambassador to Damascus and a Syrian foreign ministry official.

Reviving Cultural Ties

Nuh Yılmaz, Türkiye's ambassador to Damascus, said relations between the two countries are developing rapidly in line with political will expressed by their presidents, and that the necessary legal framework is being established. He called the agreement an important step toward placing bilateral ties on an institutional and legal footing. The Yunus Emre centres previously operated in Damascus and Aleppo before the war, but suspended activities after the conflict began in 2011.

Shared Heritage and Demand

Yılmaz said Syria has a large Turkish-speaking population, including local Turkmen communities and Syrians who lived in Türkiye for many years. "These centres will play an important role in preserving and developing existing language skills," he said, noting strong demand for Turkish-language education. The institute will also organise activities in literature, photography, cinema, painting and history to rediscover shared cultural heritage.