Turkish Olympics conclude with spectacular finale
The International Turkish Language Olympics, a hugely successful international event now in its sixth year, concluded Sunday night with the finalists receiving prizes in a ceremony held at the İstanbul Show and Congress Center. The 6th International Turkish Olympics, which hosted 550 students from 110 countries who showcased their skills in Turkish, saw a gala night on Sunday. Various prominent Turkish figures, including Parliament Speaker Köksal Toptan, Education Minister Hüseyin Çelik, İstanbul Governor Muammer Güler and İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş, attended the event, organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TÜRKÇEDER). The students participating in the competition came from different nations and backgrounds but gathered around a common denominator -- Turkish. Many commentators said the event brought the "United Nations" to Turkey. Kemal Gülen and Ebru Ediz were the announcers for the evening, which began with the singing of the national anthem and an ...