Dolmabahçe Palace host opening ceremony for Turkish Olympaids

The International Turkish Language Olympiads, a competition held annually since 2003 and currently in its eighth year, kicked off on Wednesday evening with a magnificent opening ceremony at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace. Many prominent figures including Education Minister Nimet Cubukcu, International Turkish Language Olympiads organizing committee chairman Mehmet Saglam participated in the opening ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Saglam thanked Turkish businessmen for their continuing financial support for Turkish schools worldwide and teachers who have taught the Turkish language to foreign students studying at Turkish schools. The Olympiads are organized by the International Turkish Education Association (TURKDEDER). A total of 750 students from 120 countries, including Afghanistan, Argentina, Benin, Congo, Ethiopia, France, Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Uganda, will compete in the eighth International Turkish Language Olympiad.