Khaberni - The Yunus Emre Cultural Institute in the Jordanian capital Amman organized a special celebration on Tuesday on the occasion of the Turkish "National Sovereignty and Children's Day".
The celebration was held in collaboration with the Turkish Embassy, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency "TIKA", the Jordan Hejaz Railway Corporation, and with the notable participation of 60 children from one of the orphan associations in the Kingdom, according to Anadolu Agency correspondent.
Every year on April 23, Turkey celebrates "National Sovereignty and Children's Day", with Turks both inside the country and abroad participating in various events celebrating it.
In a statement to Anadolu, the Turkish Ambassador to Jordan, Yağcub Gaymaz Oğlu, emphasized the historical significance of the event, saying, "Today we celebrate a very important historical event in the modern history of the Turkish Republic, and here in Jordan at this distinctive place; Hejaz Station, which has a special symbolism".
He added, "This day emphasizes that all our children, whether Turks or Arabs, are the ones who will build the future and they are our hope".
He continued, "Today we brought together Turkish and Jordanian children to send a genuine message of peace, love, and brotherhood with innocent hearts".
Meanwhile, the general director of the Jordan Hejaz Railway Corporation, Zahi Khalil, welcomed this hosting.
In his talk to Anadolu, he explained, "Today we welcomed at this historical station, which has witnessed over 125 years of work, our siblings from the Turkish Embassy and its affiliated entities".
He pointed out that "the arrangements for the event were exceptional, and we are now in the process of arranging a trip on the historic train that represents a partnership and historical depth linking the two countries together".
For his part, the general coordinator of the Yunus Emre Center in Amman, Mustafa Ozturk, explained that the early celebration had an entertaining atmosphere that mingled Jordanian and Turkish children with a "spirit of brotherhood".
He said to Anadolu, "What added special value and meaning to this event is that it was held at the Hejaz Railway Station (..) The children boarding the train, perhaps for the first time for many of them, was the most impactful and meaningful part of this activity".
The event featured entertainment shows for the children, in addition to a round trip on the train from Amman Station to Qasr Umm al-Hairan Station and back.
