In the heart of Turkey’s Cappadocia region, known for its surreal landscapes, Rasim Ari, mayor of Nevsehir city in central Turkey, said that friendship between Turkey and China is deepening through tourism and cultural cooperation.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Ari said Cappadocia, located in Nevsehir province, is entering “a brand new phase” in its relationship with China, moving beyond tourism statistics to focus on long-term, people-to-people connections.
Famous for its iconic hot air balloon rides over distinctive rock formations called “fairy chimneys,” Cappadocia is also home to ancient cave churches, rock-carved dwellings, and vast underground cities.
“Since 2018, when China declared it the ‘Turkish Tourism Year’ in China, our ties have steadily grown,” Ari said. “Accordingly, we launched the China Friendship Year, which led to a significant rise in Chinese tourist arrivals.”
The Turkish mayor emphasized that it is not just about attracting tourists, but also making them feel at home in a safe and respectful environment.
“We want to move from being just a destination to becoming a place where Chinese visitors feel they belong. This starts with human warmth and hospitality, which both Turkey and Nevsehir are famous for,” he stressed.
The local government is taking practical steps to ensure this experience: hiring Chinese-speaking staff, opening Chinese restaurants, installing Chinese-language signs around tourist sites, and organizing cultural events focused on both countries.
The municipality is also planning to host Chinese artists, influencers, and cultural delegations to showcase both local and Chinese traditions. “We want this relationship to be more than just tourism,” Ari said.
One concrete outcome from a recent meeting between Chinese embassy officials and municipal authorities was a preliminary agreement to establish a sister-city relationship between Nevsehir and a city in China.
“This is a step toward sustained, structured cooperation,” the mayor said. “We are forming working groups and expect concrete actions in the coming weeks to roll out a series of events and activities,” he explained.
Ari is also preparing for an official visit to China. “We are aligning our calendars to make this trip meaningful,” he said.
Ari believes cultural cooperation will be the cornerstone of Turkey-China ties in the coming years.
Among the flagship projects on the horizon is one named “Land of Beautiful Horses,” scheduled to open on July 20, 2026, the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The event will feature internationally renowned horse breeds, accommodations, and cultural activities.
“Cappadocia actually means ‘Land of Beautiful Horses,’ so this will be both a tribute to our name and a bridge to Chinese culture,” the mayor emphasized.