Istanbul University hosted an international symposium to honor Abdurrahman Peshawari, a revered figure in Türkiye’s history and one of the first journalists of Anadolu Agency, marking the 100th anniversary of his passing.
The event, held in collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute, brought together prominent academics, diplomats, and officials from both Türkiye and Pakistan.
Peshawari, born in Peshawar, Pakistan in 1886, was remembered for his profound contributions to the Turkish nation’s War of Independence and his broader role in fostering Turkish-Pakistani solidarity. He came to Türkiye in 1912 as part of a medical aid mission during the Balkan Wars and remained in the country, joining in the Gallipoli Campaign and later the War of Independence.
Among those who spoke at the opening were Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Ak, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Yusuf Cüneyd, and Deputy Governor of Istanbul Hasan Gözen. They highlighted Peshawari’s lasting legacy as a symbol of Muslim unity, humanitarian service, and brotherhood between the peoples of Pakistan and Türkiye.
Ambassador Cüneyd emphasized that Peshawari’s message still resonates: “Wherever Muslims are, they stand together.” He added that this spirit of brotherhood, most recently demonstrated during disaster responses, needs to be passed on to younger generations.
A photography exhibition showcasing rare images and documents related to Peshawari’s life was also opened as part of the event. The symposium, attended by both local and international guests, will conclude tomorrow.
Abdurrahman Peshawari later served as Türkiye’s first Ambassador to Kabul. He died in 1925 in Istanbul from wounds sustained during a mistaken assassination attempt.
