Emil Nasirli, the editor-in-chief of the international magazine "My Azerbaijan" and an academician at the International Academy of Sciences, has been elected an Honorary Member of the Turkish Literature Foundation for his long-standing service to Turkish literature, language, and culture.
The honorary membership certificate was presented to Emil Nasirli by the Foundation's chairman, Serhat Kabaklı, at the foundation’s administrative building, located opposite one of Istanbul’s major architectural landmarks, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Sultanahmet Square. In his speech during the award ceremony, Serhat Kabaklı emphasized that Emil Nasirli’s works attract attention and interest in the literary circles of Turkey. Apart from being a professional journalist, Emil Nasirli is also known for his works in the genres of poetry, short stories, and encyclopedias, which focus on important and interesting topics in the Turkic world. He noted that many of these works have been translated into various languages, and special attention should be given to how Nasirli draws attention to the most pressing issues of the Turkic world through his journalistic articles. Serhat Kabaklı also added that the magazine "My Azerbaijan," led by Emil Nasirli, has always played a special role in strengthening literary ties between the two brotherly countries.
For the past 20 years, Emil Nasirli has actively collaborated with Turkic-speaking figures in literature and culture not only in Turkey but also in Crimea, Gagauzia, Central Asian countries, and other regions of the world. He has made significant contributions to introducing their work in Azerbaijan, as well as to the first publication and promotion of their works in the country.
Serhat Kabaklı also highlighted that the Turkish Literature Foundation is a foundation of the Turkic world. We have representations in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Cyprus. Through these representations, we strive to implement cultural integration of the Turkic world and expand cultural ties.
Emil Nasirli thanked Chairman Serhat Kabaklı and the entire Turkish Literature Foundation family for electing him as an Honorary Member. He emphasized that the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are at the highest level, and the bonds between the two brotherly countries are constantly developing. The principles of friendship and cooperation, based on a strong unity, form the foundation of these relations. He noted that it is extremely valuable that Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan demonstrate genuine brotherly solidarity both at the state and personal levels.
Emil Nasirli also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Turkish Literature Foundation, which supports scholars, cultural figures, and artists, publishes their works, and has turned the chair of Turkish literature into a platform for discussing and raising relevant issues in science, culture, and art.
In conclusion, Emil Nasirli congratulated Serhat Kabaklı, İmdat Avşar, Esat Kabaklı, and all the staff of the Turkish Literature Foundation for their important work and wished them success in their future projects.
"The foundation itself and its literary figures did not come to us from outside; they are defenders of Turkish literature and the closest friends of Azerbaijani literature. The Turkish Literature Foundation was established in 1972 by the late Ahmet Kabaklı, and today it continues its work successfully under the leadership of the esteemed Serhat Kabaklı," Emil Nasirli said.
During the meeting, Emil Nasirli exchanged views with Chairman Serhat Kabaklı on the current status of the Foundation, its activities, and plans for the future.