Legacy of Silk Road shapes cultural ties

China and Turkiye have mutually influenced each other's cultures over time, building a substantial heritage legacy and great potential for future cultural cooperation, a forum has heard.

Around 100 guests from China, Turkiye, and UNESCO held in-depth exchanges on literature and cultural heritage on Thursday at the Nanjing-Istanbul Urban Civilization Dialogue in Istanbul, Turkiye, to promote mutual learning between civilizations.

Hu Kaihong, deputy director of the General Office of the Central Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress, said that as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkiye, the dialogue not only carries forward the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, but also acts as a tangible example of putting the Global Civilization Initiative into action, contributing to the harmonious coexistence and shared prosperity of human civilizations.

Frederique Aubert, head of the culture unit at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, located in Venice, said China and Turkiye have established enduring cultural ties forged along the ancient Silk Road. This tradition of cultural exchange continues to this day and remains as relevant as ever, providing a platform for cities to share experiences, deepen mutual learning, and work together to address common challenges.

She also highlighted that Nanjing and Istanbul are outstanding examples of how cultural heritage can be integrated into broader social, economic, and environmental development. Today, their historical urban landscapes continue to demonstrate how heritage can remain a living and dynamic force, enrich contemporary urban life and contribute to sustainable development.

Dong Wei, professor at Southeast University and UNESCO Chair in Cultural Resource Management, said that as two ancient civilizations connected by the Silk Road, China and the region of present-day Turkiye first came into contact as early as the 2nd century BC.

According to the professor, the two sides have exerted mutual influence on each other for a considerable historical period, giving rise to a rich legacy of cultural exchange.

The two countries have vast potential for cultural heritage cooperation under the framework of UNESCO. The two countries may pursue joint nominations for UNESCO World Heritage inscription and participate in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, said Dong.

Gorgun Taner, general director of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, or IKSV, said that over the past few decades, the international discourse on cultural heritage has shifted from a focus on the protection of physical remains to a broader understanding of heritage as a living resource that contributes to sustainable social, cultural, economic, and environmental development.

"Heritage is no longer solely about the past; it's about the present and the future."

Experts in architecture, archaeology, museum and cultural heritage professions from both China and Turkiye shared their expertise and innovative approaches to heritage conservation from interdisciplinary perspectives.

Communication plays a vital role in the promotion of historical heritage, said Wang Wenxi, director of the Nanjing Great Bao'en Temple Heritage Museum.

Writers, poets, Sinologists, and scholars from China and Turkiye also shared insights on the topic of "Literature and the City", engaging in discussions on how AI is influencing and evolving alongside literature.

Renowned Turkish poet and photographer Yasin Mortas noted that artificial intelligence can replicate human civilization in a digitalized way, but it cannot understand human emotions, pain, or the soul, elements from which poetry originates.

Chinese poet and Lu Xun Literature Prize winner Han Dong said he believes that the combination of artificial intelligence and art is likely to give rise to a completely new and unprecedented form of artistic expression. However, he maintains that human beings, what he calls "ancient souls", will remain the source of original creativity.

The event is organized by the Information Office of China's State Council, the Chinese embassy in Turkiye, and the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul, and undertaken by the Information Office of the Nanjing Municipal People's Government.

hexiating@chinadaily.com.cn