Diplomatic “Bridges” and Spaces of Cultural “Osmosis”: The Case of the Yunus Emre Institute in Morocco

Aware of the geostrategic importance of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Turkey is implementing an influence strategy based on a combination of active diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural outreach. Ankara’s objective is to consolidate its position by making this region a privileged sphere of influence. In this regard, it relies on soft power by developing cultural and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening its ties with local populations and states in the region. Morocco, as a key player in North Africa and a bridge to sub-Saharan Africa, occupies a central place in this strategy. Within this context, the Yunus Emre Institute in Rabat plays a key role as a vehicle for promoting Turkish culture. Through a diverse program — ranging from Turkish language instruction to the organization of cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, conferences, and culinary workshops — the Institute actively contributes to raising awareness of the richness of Turkish cultural heritage among the Moroccan public. By adopting a qualitative approach and analyzing the various activities offered by the center, we aim to examine the role of the Yunus Emre Institute as a cultural showcase for Turkey, while fostering the creation of lasting bridges between Turkish and Moroccan societies.