Pictured is a portion of the Great Wall where the historic Silk Road used to pass through. (Photo : REUTERS)
At least 30 cultural centers are expected to rise in countries along the ancient Silk Road by 2020, Chinese Ministry of Culture officials said during a Chinese New Year revelry held in Istanbul on Feb. 14.
Currently, there are 20 cultural hubs along the historic thouroughfare.
One of the centers will be built in Turkey. This nation has played a vital role on the Silk Road, which served as a transportation connection between the East and the West.
"We hope Turkey's China culture center will be a landmark building. The center should attract as many young people as possible and maintain close cooperation with local communities," Yu Jian, Ministry of Culture's Division of Western Asia and Northern Africa Affairs Director remarked.
Yu added that both China and Turkey are prepared and are looking forward to the construction of such institution.
The establishment of cultural centers is part of an expansion plan laid out by the Ministry of Culture intended to promote and enrich heritages shared with other nations.
Yu further said that, in the coming years, more cultural centers will be built in countries where China shares a good relation and cultural tie.
During the celebration, Director Yu also mentioned that two cultural centers will soon be opened in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The construction was part of China's "Belt and Road" program.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the said initiative is aimed at building more air routes, highways and railways that will help the Chinese community integrate resources, markets and policies and connect with the outside world.
China's Deputy Minister of Culture, Xiang Zhaolun, also attended to grace the Chinese New Year revelry and promote the Spring Festival.
