Turkey brings refugee story to UN headquarters

NEW YORK – Anadolu Agency

'Safe Harbor Turkey' was opened on Oct. 13 by visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoğlu. AA Photo

An exhibition focusing on Turkey’s history as a refuge for those seeking shelter from conflict and oppression has been unveiled at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

“Safe Harbor Turkey” was opened Oct. 13 by visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoğlu.

The exhibition shows how different communities have sought shelter in Turkish territory throughout its history - from the Ottoman Empire through to the formation of the modern republic and up to the present day.

“Turkey has opened its homes and hearts to those who have had to leave their motherlands due to torture, violence and oppression,” said Çavusoğlu.

“Today, a large number continue to seek asylum on Turkish soil,” he added.

Turkey currently hosts more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees, including 220,000 who are being sheltered near the Syrian border after fleeing from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey would continue to support the Syrian people, but the country also expected support from the international community, which he said should “share this burden and fulfill its responsibilities under international humanitarian law.”

“Safe Harbor Turkey” will be open to visitors at the U.N. headquarters until Oct. 22.