Exchanges between China and Turkey began more than 2,000 years ago as a result of the ancient Silk Road.

To commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Turkey and to develop cultural ties between the two countries, events for the Year of China in Turkey are set to create the ambience of a new silk road.

With the theme of Charming China, Home of the Silk Road, activities will showcase colorful contemporary Chinese culture and modern China after the reform and opening-up.

With a gala show, A New Message from the Silk Road, the 2012 Year of China in Turkey opened in Istanbul on Dec 12. Events held throughout the year will involve literature, arts, cultural legacy, films, education, acrobatics and puppetry, and will be held in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Mersin and Trabzon as well as in other provinces.

Colors From the Silk Road, an exhibition featuring 60 contemporary Chinese artists, was held at CerModern, Ankara's modern art museum. Ertugrul Gunay, Turkey's culture and tourism minister, was quoted as saying at the opening of the exhibition that "This year Turkey will become the home of Chinese arts."

The historic Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, former home of the Ottoman sultans and now a museum that houses the largest collection of Chinese porcelain outside of China, will play host to hundreds of Chinese antiques. The highlight will be the Terracotta Warriors. This will mark the first time that these priceless national treasures have traveled to the country.

In May and July, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and the dance troupe of Shanghai Normal University will fly to Turkey to participate in cultural festivals.

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