STORY: Istanbul sparkles with joyous celebration of Chinese New Year
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 19, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 21, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:00
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish) MUSTAFA KARSLI, Vice president of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): TUNC AKKOC, Editor-in-chief of the Harici media outlet
4. various of the event

STORYLINE:

Istanbul is buzzing with vibrant celebrations as the city marks the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, throughout January.

Visitors to various venues across the city can immerse themselves in Chinese culture through traditional calligraphy demonstrations, intricate paper-cutting art, and events showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.

On Sunday, the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul hosted a grand reception in the lively Besiktas district. The venue, adorned with colorful lights, came alive with Chinese music, dance, and cuisine, offering an enchanting and immersive cultural experience.

In his speech, Wei Xiaodong, China's consul general, emphasized the festival's profound cultural significance and emotional resonance, as well as the strong bond between the two countries.

"Let us extend our best wishes for peace and prosperity in both China and Türkiye in the coming year! May the friendship between our nations remain strong and enduring," he said, wishing everyone a safe, successful, and prosperous Year of the Snake, which begins on Jan. 29.
   
On Dec. 4, UNESCO inscribed the Spring Festival -- social practices of the Chinese people celebrating the traditional new year -- on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision recognizes the festival's rich array of rituals and cultural elements that engage all levels of Chinese society.

Mustafa Karsli, vice president of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association, shared his excitement about this year's celebrations.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish) MUSTAFA KARSLI, Vice president of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association
"There's a sparkling energy that shows both Chinese residents in Istanbul and many Turkish citizens have wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of the New Year. It's truly uplifting, and it makes us even more excited."

Tunc Akkoc, editor-in-chief of the Harici media outlet, told Xinhua that the celebration of Chinese New Year has evolved into a global tradition, now observed in nearly every country around the world.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): TUNC AKKOC, Editor-in-chief of the Harici media outlet
"I believe that with this UNESCO decision, the Chinese New Year will gain more recognition globally, and there will be greater interest in it. There has already been a growing fascination with Chinese culture in recent years."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)