ZAGREB MARKS 700 YEARS OF OTTOMAN EMPIRE HERITAGE

ZAGREB, May 13 (Hina) - An event to mark 700 years of the Ottoman empire heritage was organised in Zagreb on Wednesday night, under the auspices of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and under the organisation of the Turkish Embassy in Zagreb. Guests from Turkey held a classical music concert with Turkish instruments, a folklore and a fashion show. Turkish Ambassador to Croatia Selahattin Alpar expressed satisfaction that this anniversary, significant for Turkey, was being marked this year all over the world, in line with a decision of the UNESCO. He stressed the importance of such manifestations for a greater understanding among cultures in a time when the world needs peace and friendship. Addressing the present on behalf of President Tudjman, Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic said the event was a continuation of a fruitful cooperation between Turkey and Croatia, two friendly countries who have established exceptionally good cultural ties since the establishment of the free and independent state of Croatia. In line with the Agreement and Programme on cultural, scientific and education cooperation between our two countries, the Turkish and Croatian public have had the opportunity to get acquainted with valuable art, music, theatre, folklore and other performances, Biskupic said. (hina) lml