GJC Hosted Georgian Journalists in Turkiye

Global Journalism Council (GJC) hosted leading journalists from Georgian media in Istanbul and Ankara in partnership with Turkiye’s Tbilisi Embassy and Yunus Emre Institute. The visit took place between 23-27 February 2022

During the first part of their visit, Georgian members of press visited touristic places such as Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Press Museum and Grand Bazaar, Bookstores and other popular destinations. Georgian journalists were accompanied by their GJC member Turkish colleagues.

Mehmet Ali Dim, President of the Global Journalism Council said, “Georgia is our neighboring state, but also a friendly country. It is a country that has very close social, cultural and economic relations with Turkiye, but unfortunately our media members have not in close contacts. By organizing this important trip, with the support of our Ambassador in Georgia Fatma Ceren Yazgan, GJC conducted an important public diplomacy project. We invited a delegation of 10 important high level members of media from Georgia. It was a good program not only from traveling perspective, but also from the point of professional cooperation, solidarity and socialization.”

The visit of Georgian colleagues started with a visit to a private TV network, Haber Global. Accompanied by GJC member members, the guests took a tour of Haber Global studios and the news center.
The second stop of the guests was the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK). Osman Caliskan, President of the Turkiye-Georgia Business Council, gave information on the commercial and economic relations of the two countries at DEIK offices. After the visit to DEİK, Georgian journalists went to the Güllüoğlu baklava restaurant in Karaköy, and were hosted by the renowned Baklava seller Nadir Güllü. At Gulluoglu Baklava shop, Georgian colleagues were demonstrated the ways to consume baklava.

The guests, spent the evening at a Bosphorus Boat Tour. On the tour, colleagues were entertained at the dinner, with local dance performances and regional music.

ANKARA VISIT

Georgian journalists, during their first day in Ankara, visited Yunus Emre Institue, where they were familiarized with the detailed work of Turkiye’s national cultural center. Georgian colleagues also learned about Yunus Emre Institute’s Turkish classes in Georgia and online.

The journalists said that after returning to Georgia, they would visit the institute’s Tbilisi Cultural Center and inquire further information about the Turkish studies.

VISITING THE EMBASSY

Georgian journalists also paid a visit to Georgia’s Embassy in Ankara. Ambassador George Jangjava welcomed journalists and briefed Georgian colleagues about Turkiye-Georgia relations. Janjava thanked GJC and its President Mehmet Ali Dim for hosting Georgian journalists.

TOUR OF TRT
Georgian members of media visited TRT Headquarters in Ankara where they recieved important information about the professional broadcasting of TRT as well as the news operations.

VISITING VICE MINISTER ÇAM

Turkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Serdar Çam received both Georgian journalists and GJC members at his office. Visiting delegation and Deputy Minister exchanged opinion on bilateral cultural affairs.
Deputy Minister Çam stated that Turkiye protects all cultural artifacts regardless of religions and era.

After the Ministry, Georgian journalists came together with the GJC management and members in the meeting room of the GJC headquarters in Ankara. GJC Local Media Council Members from different provinces of Turkiye and GJC members in Ankara also attended the meeting. The journalists were acquainted with one another. The guests completed the day by visiting Anıtkabir, the First Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and the historical places of Ankara.

THANKS TO ÇAVUŞOĞLU

GJC president Mehmet Ali Dim stated that the activities of the council to support public diplomacy in the field of media will continue to increase in the coming period.
“We are grateful to our Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who has always supported us in this matter. In addition, we would like thank our Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr Serdar Cam and Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş.”
The guest attended Ankara Döner Festival organized by the Mamak Municipality in Mamak National Garden on the day of their return.

“WE ARE HAPPY BACK”

Before departing for Tbilisi, the guest expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with their visit to Turkey. They stated that they had a great trip where they experienced Turkish hospitality at the best level and expressed their intention to host GJC members in Georgia.