Karachi Pakistan : The Turkish Consulate General in Karachi, in collaboration with the Yunus Emre Institute, organized a special event titled “Love for Türkiye in Pakistan in the Context of Hassan Ali Effendi”. The event honored the legacy of Hassan Ali Effendi, the first Consul General of the Ottoman Empire in Sindh and the founder of the prestigious Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU). Effendi’s contributions to modern education in Sindh and the historic cultural ties between Türkiye and Pakistan were highlighted throughout the program.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Cemal Sangu, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Karachi. Mr. Sangu emphasized the significance of Hassan Ali Effendi’s efforts in fostering a strong bond between Türkiye and Pakistan, particularly in the field of education and cultural exchange.
The academic and literary discussions during the event were enriched by speeches from prominent scholars and intellectuals, including:
Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, Professor of Urdu Language and Literature at Istanbul University and Country Coordinator at Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers in Pakistan, who delivered an insightful talk in pure Urdu language on the historical ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, complemented by a pictorial survey of these relations dating back centuries from his Book “Journey of Friendship and Brotherhood”.
He talked about the forefathers of Turkish Nation even before Islam and from where Turkish Nation was originated. In his speech, he also mentioned about the centuries old graves which were located in the sub-continent showing presence of Turk nation even before the establishment of Kingdom of Babur.
Dr. Fatima Hassan, Lecturer from Karachi University, Author, and Poet, shared her reflections on the literary and historical significance of Pakistan and Turkiye relationship with her self-originated poetry. Poetry was related to the similarities between Pakistani and Turkish Nation. She explained abouth cultural and heritage ties beautifully through her Urdu Poetry which we shared for decades. Her poetry revealed about Hazrat Ayyub Ansari’s Connection. She explained how Hazrat Ayub Ansari’s tomb in Istanbul Turkiye is one of the reasons we have faith, dignity, sanctity and honor for each other.
Prof. Dr. Uzma Farman, Head of Urdu Department at Karachi University, elaborated on the deep-rooted cultural connections between Pakistan and Türkiye, highlighting the influence of figures like Hassan Ali Effendi. Importance of Urdu language and its significance role in establishing Pakistan, its roots with Turkish nation and how it shaped a new nation in the sub-continent.
Prof. Dr. Nigar Sajjad, Former Head of Islamic Studies Department at Karachi University, explored the shared history of Pakistan and Türkiye through a religious and historical lens.
During her address, Prof. Dr. Nigar Sajjad emphasized the ancient links between the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Mughals, who were of Turkish descent and ruled parts of India, and the Ottoman Turks, who never directly ruled India but had significant cultural and religious exchanges with Indian Muslims. The seminar delved into the diplomatic efforts of the Ottoman Empire, especially Sultan Abdulhamid II’s policy of Pan-Islamism, which promoted solidarity with Muslims globally, including in India.
The seminar further explored the complex period of World War I, when Indian Muslims, fighting under British command, found themselves in battle against Ottoman forces. Some of these Indian soldiers refused to fight upon realizing they were on Muslim soil.
Prof. Dr. Nigar also highlighted the key role of Indian Muslims in the Khilafat Movement, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate in the aftermath of the war. The consulate’s event underscored the depth of these historical connections and their relevance to contemporary relations between Türkiye and Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Mujeeb Uddin Sahrai Memon, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), said that Khan Bahadur Hassan Ali Effendi symbolizes brotherhood among Pakistan and Turkiye. He highly appreciated the efforts of CG Turkiye Mr. Cemal Sangu that he has been very effective in gathering the Effendi family, in Pakistan and abroad. Prof. Memon further informed the audience that he had found a very authentic biography of Hassan Ali Effendi by Mirza Kaleech Baig in Sindhi Language along with his own father’s, Taj Muhammad Sahrai, written essay on Mr. Effendi in his book. He has made arrangements for translation of both the texts into English language and soon the English translation of the books would be launched. This will help a large number of people throughout the world.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, former Vice Chancellor of SMIU, who authored a biography of Hassan Ali Effendi, highlighted Effendi’s historical significance during his keynote speech. He recounted Effendi’s pivotal role in fostering relations between Sindh and Türkiye, especially during the late 19th century. Due to his efforts, the Ottoman Caliph Sultan Abdulhamid II bestowed upon him two prestigious Turkish titles, the Effendi and Bey Majidi, and appointed him as the honorary Consul of the Ottoman Empire in Karachi.
In his speech, Prof. Shaikh noted that Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, studied under the supervision of Hassan Ali Effendi, a fact often overlooked. He remarked on how Jinnah remained fond of Effendi throughout his life and that the Quaid’s vision of education closely aligned with that of his mentor.
Prof. Shaikh also shared his personal experiences, including meeting the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in 2017, where he briefed the President about Hassan Ali Effendi’s legacy. During that meeting, Turkish scholars encouraged him to write an article about Effendi, which was later published in an official Turkish publication, with its Turkish translation included.
Reflecting on his time as Vice Chancellor of SMIU, Prof. Shaikh expressed his pride in leading the institution that Effendi founded. He emphasized the challenges Effendi faced while promoting education in Sindh, highlighting his relentless struggle for the welfare of his people during challenging circumstances.
The event concluded with a heartfelt thanks speech by Prof. Dr. Shaista Effendi, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Burn Aesthetic Surgeon at Ziauddin Hospital and grandchild of Hassan Ali Effendi. She expressed her deep gratitude to the Turkish Consulate for recognizing and honoring the profound legacy of her esteemed grandfather and also staying in touch with Effendi family members in Pakistan and also abroad.
The program was followed by a lively session of refreshments and high tea, allowing participants to engage further in discussions about the rich cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Türkiye.
This event was a remarkable celebration of the life and contributions of Hassan Ali Effendi, marking a key moment in reinforcing the deep and historical relationship between the two brotherly nations.
