Osman Erkurt’s unbelievable dream of once again travelling the antique route which the Phocaeans had followed after departing from exactly this spot more than 2600 years ago is no longer a dream; it is being transformed into a very significant scientific mission and a promise of a magnificent adventure.

Ulysses’ 20 oarsmen of the Kybele ship that Homer mentions in his epic work of Odyssey and which now is before our very eyes are growing impatient to cross the Mediterranean from one end to the other and to arrive at Marseille on the 1st of July, the opening date of the “Turkish Year in France”. The French-Turkish steering committee of the “Turkish Year in France” did not err in naming this project from the very day it started as the Grand Event. Also the Izmir French Cultural Center has persistently and with enthusiasm been supporting our friends at the 360 Degrees Historical Researches Association for over two years.

What else that is more beautiful than this ship could be sent to France for the Turkish Year? What else but this ship could better symbolize both the historical and the living ties that bind Turkey and France? Turkey and France will come together between the dates of 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010. Over 400 cultural and social activities will unveil the dynamism, the youth and the modernism of Turkey – about which very little is known in France, and which are often wrongfully stereotyped.

The Turkish Year that will be launched few months after the end of the Presidency of the European Council by France – during which two new topics have successfully been opened in the negotiations between Turkey and the European Union, and the support of France to the current process of harmonization with Europe has been proven – will materialize at a pivotal moment in the relationship between our countries. The dialogue that exists between our countries at the highest level has never been as intense as it was in these recent months. France and Turkey had a close cooperation during the Georgian crisis, on Gaza issue and on G20. They will continue in the matter of Afghanistan which happens to be one of the priorities of the international community and NATO.

Getting back to the topic of Kybele ship; so much of the efforts and the good faith of archeologists, historians, carpenters and sponsors are embodied in this vessel! Moments of pessimism were experienced and passionate arguments were made, but the project has substantially proven itself. I too did many times find the opportunity to personally follow up the developments of the work as well as to gauge the viability of this project during my visits.

This ship bears the name of the Anatolian goddess Kybele, who was, before Rome, very much loved in all of the eastern Greek cities. She is a symbol of the common heritage that was shared by the great civilizations of the Mediterranean. The Union for Mediterranean, which happens to be a new dynamics for cooperation and which is reinforced by great economic, environmental, infrastructure and academic projects, is a symbol that gather us together around our joint objective of “Mare Nostrum”.

Even though at the beginning very few people did support this course of events, just like what had happened to Le Cid, the drama work, at this moment we gathered in this port in large numbers and with joy and pride.

This exemplary cooperation between our countries could not have been achieved without the Mayor of Foca, Mr. Gokhan Demirag and his team. It could not have been attained without the endeavors of Mr. Engin Turkay, who devoted his yacht to the project. Success would not be possible without the efforts of the Chamber of Shipping and the financial support of Arkas Holding. Dear Lucien, I thank you once again.

The ships will at Marseille, which will be the European Cultural Capital in 2013 following Istanbul-2010, be welcomed at the Bridge of Honor in the port as the Mayor Mr. Jean-Claude Gaudin so desires.

I do hereby salute the admirable and valuable endeavors of the France-Turkey Mediterranean Culture Association and; thank to its President Mr. Jean-Pierre Salvetat.

I do want to express my gratitude to many persons, each one of whom performed hard work for the excellence of this activity, and especially to the Consul General of Greece Mr. Hara Skolarikou; to the Consul of Italy Mr. Simon Carta; to the representatives of ICOMOS in Monaco; and finally to Osman and Mualla Erkurt as well as to the whole team and the Acting Manager of the French Cultural Center Mr. Jean-Luc Maeso.

Bravo to all of you! May the wind fill your sails, and may there be clear seas ahead of you! Hooray for the Turkish Year in France!