Turkish floating exhibit set to sail to Europe next year

A ship showcasing various aspects of Turkish culture and industry will set sail next year and stop in 14 of the 27 European Union countries. "Those questioning Turkey's axis should talk after looking at the destination of this ship," Turkey's Chief European Union talks negotiator Egemen Bagis told reporters yesterday. The project is inspired by a similar initiative that took place in 1926, when, at the behest of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkey, a ship went to Europe to promote the new republic. Carrying Turkish agricultural products, top exports, and traditional artifacts, the ship was one of the world's first floating exhibitions, and visited 16 ports in 12 countries. "What really excites me about this project is that it is a joint initiative of the public and private sectors," added Bagis. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Union of Aegean Exporters, and Eskisehir Chamber of Industry, as well as several ministries are among the project's supporters. The 193-meter ship has four floors and deck space of 12,000 square meters. Both modern and traditional Turkish richness will be promoted through the show of traditional handicrafts and industrial products, from the automotive industry to the furniture industry. Turkish cuisine will be promoted alongside Turkey's tourism potential. A separate ship carrying representatives of the public and private sector as well as artists will accompany the floating exhibit. The journey will start in Istanbul next March and end in April. The ship will stay two days in each port in 14 major EU cities. "I hope this will be an opportunity for us to share Turkey's creativity with Europe. I hope this exhibit will show what a critical partner Turkey is for EU," said Bagis. "Half of our trade is with Europe," he added, stressing that Turkey need not shrink from improving its relations with the East. His remarks come at a time when some are questioning whether Turkey is shifting its orientation from West to East. "Our minister for foreign trade is in Brussels today. Two days ago he was in Libya," Bagis said, adding that many Western countries are also investing in countries to Turkey's east.