A Friendship Bridge from Konya to Bangladesh

The friendship between Turkey and Bangladesh has gained a remarkable dimension in recent years, highlighted by the strong ties established between Konya and Sylhet. The sister city protocol signed on April 13, 2012, marked the beginning of a process that deepened not only official relations between the two cities but also cultural and spiritual interaction.

Sylhet, one of Bangladesh’s prominent cities, stands out with its historical and spiritual identity, while Konya is known as the spiritual center of Anatolia. Hazrat Shah Jalal (r.a.), one of Sylhet’s most important figures, is regarded as the “Guardian Saint of Sylhet” and a significant representative of the Sufi tradition. The similarities between his spiritual worldview and the intellectual climate represented by Mevlânâ Celâleddîn-i Rûmî demonstrate that the connection between the two cities is not only diplomatic but also grounded in a shared spiritual heritage.

These ties are reinforced with tangible projects as well. Under the leadership of the Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Konya, 100 saplings were planted in the Mevlana Memorial Forest. A memorial forest consisting of 2,000 saplings has also been established, symbolizing the growing friendship between the two countries.

Significant initiatives have also been undertaken in education and culture. The first of these was a basic-level online Bengali language course specifically designed for participants from Konya, aiming to enhance communication between the two communities. Certificates were presented to participants at the conclusion of the program alongside the Ambassador. Due to growing demand, the program continues to be offered online and free of charge to all interested participants.

In addition, to promote Bangladeshi culture, traditional “Milk Tea” workshops have been held at Beyşehir Selçuk University, local teachers’ houses, and online platforms. These events bring together tastes and customs from different regions, strengthening cultural exchange.

Since 2024, the annual “Bangladesh Water Lily Day” in Beyşehir, held every June, has become one of the most colorful examples of this collaboration. The initiative was first proposed by the Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Konya, Deniz Bulkur, and is organized jointly by the Honorary Consulate and Beyşehir Municipality.

The water lily emblem was adopted shortly after independence in 1971. At its center lies a water lily, flanked by rice stalks on either side. Above the lily are four stars and three interlaced jute leaves. The water lily, Bangladesh’s national flower, represents the many rivers flowing throughout the country. Rice, a staple food, symbolizes the nation’s agriculture. The four stars represent the four founding principles of the Bangladesh Constitution: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism.

Deniz Bulkur, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Konya, who lived in Bangladesh for many years, has played a key role in passing the historical and cultural bonds of friendship between the two countries to future generations. Recognizing the symbolic significance of the white water lilies grown in Beyşehir as Bangladesh’s national emblem, Bulkur initiated discussions that led to the establishment of the Bangladesh Water Lily Day event.

The first program began with the planting of five saplings in the Beyşehir Lake Water Lily Garden. Following this, a boat tour was organized on Beyşehir Lake, during which Bengali water lily songs were played, and photographs were taken with the white water lilies. Guests were also served black tea and herbal teas made from plants grown in the fertile lands of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Water Lily Day continues to be celebrated annually with diverse activities.

In the coming period, cultural exchange is planned to continue expanding. Upcoming Bangladeshi cuisine workshops under KOMEK will allow people in Konya to experience different flavors.

Another notable example of cultural convergence can be seen in music. The song “Shoknu Patar Nupur Paye” is known as the Bengali version of the beloved Turkish folk song “Üsküdar’a Giderken,” demonstrating how shared emotions between the two cultures are expressed through melodies.

All these developments show that the sister city relationship between Konya and Sylhet is more than just a protocol; it has transformed into a living, growing friendship that spans education, art, nature, and cuisine.

The Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Konya affirms its commitment to strengthening the friendship bridges between the two countries, passing this valuable legacy on to future generations, and enhancing cultural cooperation.

(Prepared by the Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Konya)