30.01.2026 21:50
During the tourism fair held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Cenk Uraz, emphasized the importance of efforts to increase Turkey's visibility among OIC countries. He pointed out the potential candidacy of Bursa and Trabzon within the framework of the "OIC Tourism Capital" projects, while highlighting the historical, gourmet, and sea tourism opportunities that Jeddah offers to Turkish tourists.
Mehmet Faruk Ertekin, Global News Advisor of Haberler.com, met with Ambassador Cenk Uraz, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), at the tourism fair held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
"OUR TURKEY IS ACTUALLY RECOGNIZED ENOUGH HERE, BUT THERE ARE ALWAYS MORE THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE"
Ambassador Uraz, who made evaluations regarding the importance of fairs for cultural interaction and the promotion of Turkey, as well as the OIC's tourism capital projects and the potential candidacy of Bursa and Trabzon, said:
"First of all, we thank you for this beautiful opportunity. It was a nice coincidence for me as well. As you know, I am the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Turkey to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I have been serving in this position for about 3 years. Our Jeddah is quite beautiful. Such events allow more of our citizens from Turkey, as well as our city representatives, to come. Our Turkey is actually recognized enough here, but there are always more things that can be done.
"I BELIEVE IT WILL BE VERY BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH BURSA AND TRABZON, AS WELL AS FOR OUR COUNTRY"
Let me express a few points regarding the OIC on this occasion. Every year, a city from a member country is regularly selected as the 'OIC tourism capital' or 'tourism city'. Recently, Şanlıurfa gained this opportunity in 2024. It hosted these events for a year. For example, this year, the city of Dakar in Senegal, next year Cairo in Egypt, and in 2027, the city of Lahore in Pakistan have held this title. Naturally, more frequent activities of this kind in our country will increase awareness, visibility, and recognition.
I personally advised our cities, whether Bursa or Trabzon, that participated in this fair to consider a candidacy in this direction. God willing, if a step is taken in that direction, I believe it will be very beneficial for both Bursa and Trabzon, as well as for our country in general. If this is possible for the years 2028, 2029, and even 2030, there will be more interaction and cultural tourism interaction in our country and in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, since the OIC has 57 members, a broader promotion of Turkey will also be possible not only in Saudi Arabia but in all these 57 countries.
"I BELIEVE JEDDAH WILL APPEAL TO OUR CITIZENS"
Additionally, Ambassador Uraz, who recommended Turkish tourists to explore Jeddah during their visits to Saudi Arabia and benefit from the city's historical, gourmet, and marine tourism opportunities, continued his remarks as follows:
"Naturally, the importance of Jeddah is closely related to its proximity to Mecca and Medina, as you know. Many of our citizens visit Saudi Arabia, especially through Jeddah, to fulfill their Umrah and Hajj obligations. Personally, I recommend that our citizens, when they come here, after fulfilling their worship, set aside a few days for Jeddah.
As a diplomat who has previously served in Jeddah, I believe that Jeddah could appeal to our citizens, not only with its various historical sites but also with its gourmet tourism, underwater riches for those who desire, diving opportunities, and amenities like sea, sand, and sun.