At the Beijing International Book Fair in June, one of China's largest book event, a debut by Kirmizi Kedi, a Turkish publishing house, garnered significant attention.

Kirmizi Kedi introduced a book that challenges conventional views on the origins of Sinology -- the academic study of China.

"About a year ago, our author Giray Fidan and I visited the World Sinology Center in China," Haluk Hepkon, head of Kirmizi Kedi Publishing House, told Xinhua in Istanbul. "It was there that Fidan revealed to me that the oldest Sinology tradition in the world is actually attributed to the Turks."

Hepkon explained that Fidan was referring to "Hitayname," a 16th-century travelogue authored by Ali Ekber Hitay under Ottoman patronage. This significant work underscores the pivotal role of Turkish scholars played in the early study of Chinese culture.

"Upon hearing this, I immediately suggested, 'You should write a book about this,'" Hepkon recalled.

The resulting book, "Birth of Sinology in Türkiye - From Hitayname to Present Day," authored by Giray Fidan and Ayse Gul Fidan, was unveiled at the fair in June.

The book's launch marks the first time a Turkish publisher has debuted a work at the Beijing book fair, representing a symbolic milestone in Türkiye's efforts to engage directly with Chinese literature and culture.

"For years, Turkish engagement with Chinese culture has been mediated through Western sources," said Kamil Erdogdu, head of Kirmizi Kedi's Chinese books division. "We have long relied on translations into other languages before they reach Turkish readers. We are now working to change this."

Erdogdu also pointed out a historical gap in Türkiye's engagement with Eastern literature, art, and cinema, emphasizing the need for a more direct connection.

"We believe that China should be explored not only through its economy and politics but also through its rich literary and cultural heritage," he added.

Looking ahead, the publishing house plans to launch a biannual literary magazine in collaboration with Beijing-based authors, Erdogdu said, adding this upcoming project is currently in development, with more details expected to be announced soon. 

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