Chinese proficiency competition held in Türkiye's Istanbul

Contestants and jury members of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language competition for college students in Türkiye pose for a group photo in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 11, 2024. The final round of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language competition for college students in Türkiye took place Saturday in Istanbul, the country's largest city. The competition was held at Okan University with the participation of 17 contestants from seven universities across Türkiye. The contestants showcased their language skills and Chinese-related artistic talent through performances like singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The final round of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language competition for college students in Türkiye took place Saturday in Istanbul, the country's largest city.

The competition was held at Okan University with the participation of 17 contestants from seven universities across Türkiye.

The contestants showcased their language skills and Chinese-related artistic talent through performances like singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

Deniz Gumuslu, a student of Okan University's Chinese Translation and Interpreting preparatory class, was awarded the first prize and would represent Türkiye to compete in China.

"My curiosity about China was sparked after I registered in my class, which further fueled my interest in China," Gumuslu told Xinhua after the competition, expressing his dream of pursuing education in China in the future.

In her opening speech, Guliz Mugan, president of Okan University, emphasized that, in the Chinese courses, Turkish students acquire the language and evolve into "cultural ambassadors."

"The objective of Chinese proficiency competitions is to promote Chinese culture and language proficiency while enhancing global awareness and understanding of China," Mugan said.

Wei Xiaodong, consul general of China in Istanbul, highlighted in his speech the growing interest among Turks in learning Chinese.

He expressed hope that more Turkish youths would visit China and have more exchanges with Chinese youths, jointly promoting friendship, cultural exchanges, and mutual learning between the two countries.

A contestant performs during the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language competition for college students in Türkiye held in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 11, 2024. The final round of the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" language competition for college students in Türkiye took place Saturday in Istanbul, the country's largest city. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)