Brussels library hosts works by Piri Reis

BRUSSELS - Anadolu Agency

Maps drawn by Ottoman scholar Piri Reis are being displayed in Brussels’ Solvay library. The exhibition is being organized by the Yunus Emre Institute. AA photo

Works of the world map master Piri Reis are being displayed in Brussels’ Solvay library at an exhibition that opened last night. The exhibit is organized by the Yunus Emre Institute.

Professor Hayati Develi spoke at the opening of the exhibition and said that in order to know a country better people had to discover their cultural backgrounds, which would lead new friendships being established between countries.

“In 25 countries with 35 culture centers we are trying to represent and promote Turkish culture,” said Develi.

Turkey-European Parliament Commission (KPK) co-chairman Afif Demirkıran said Turkey would not give up its aim for full EU membership, and would also aim to overcome “prejudices in the media.”

Academics from Turkey, as well as the former president of the Belgian EU Commission’s Turkish desk, Alain Servantie, discussed Piri Reis books “Kitab-ı Bahriye” and “Mercator’un Atlas,” as well as how Piri Reis carried and changed global map making.

Also attending the meeting were diplomats including NATO General Vice Secretary Hüseyin Diriöz, Helen Flautre, EU representative ambassador of Turkey Selim Yenel, Saint-Josse Mayor Emir Kır, Brussels MP Mahinur Özdemir, and Flemish MP Veli Yüksel.