News

On November 19 the third meeting of Lithuanians living in Türkiye was held in Istanbul. Mr. Ričardas Degutis, Ambassador of Lithuania in Türkey and Mr. Sarper Cengiz, Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Istanbul, greeted the participants of the event. Ms. Dalia Asanavičiūtė, member of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, and Ms. Lina Žukauskaite, Director of the Global Lithuania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed various issues relevant to Lithuanians living abroad ranging from maintaining and fostering Lithuanian language and culture, traditions, possibilities to re-settle in Lithuania again. Ms. Elena Malašauskaitė, Chairwoman of the Lithuanian community in Türkiye, reviewed the community's activities since its creation; Ms. Ieva Keskinė, board member of the Lithuanian community in Türkiye, presented the initiative to establish a Club of Lithuanian Professionals living in Türkiye.

The program of the community meeting began with a holy mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which was celebrated in Lithuanian by the rector priest of Krekenava Basilica Gediminas Jankūnas, as well as hymns were sung by the Lithuanian community choir.

After the official part, everyone was delighted by the festive part of the evening with the folklore ensemble "Raskila", children had a chance to get ready for the upcoming holidays by participating in the Christmas gingerbread decorating workshop.

The event was attended by more than 130 guests from various cities in Türkiye - Istanbul, Alanya, Antalya, Izmir, Ankara, Eskişehir, Ordu and others. According to statistical data, about 600 Lithuanian citizens live in Türkiye. Meetings of Lithuanians living in Türkiye take place at the initiative of the community every 2 years; previously they were held in Ankara and Cappadocia.

Sponsors of the event: Global Lithuania, Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Istanbul Sarper Cengiz, BESCO Mühendislik

Photos by Kęstutis Kulikauskas/Raskila, Turkish Lithuanians and the Embassy