On Monday, Turkey’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Firat Sunel, and the Counsel General of Hyderabad, Orhan Yalman Okan, visited the world heritage site of Hampi, exploring its cultural landmarks. Impressed by the cultural richness of Hampi, the ambassador praised the site as a remarkable tourist destination. The duo was accompanied by Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Prabhulinga S. Thalakeri, and other officials, with a guided tour provided by Virupaksha V. Hampi.
Earlier, on Sunday, the ambassador and counsel general paid their respects at the Turkish War Memorial in Allipur, Bellary, which honors Turkish soldiers who died under mysterious circumstances during World War I. These soldiers had been interned by the British, with official records stating that 123 soldiers were captured, though Turkish sources claim more than five thousand were held. The memorial holds great significance for Turkey, and it is customary for Turkish dignitaries to visit this site during their trips to the region.
On the same day, Ambassador Firat Sunel also visited the Turkish Martyrs’ Graveyard on Kalangal Road near the airport, where he paid respects to the graves of Turkish martyrs and planted saplings in tribute. Deputy Director Prabhulinga S. Thalakeri, staff member Srihari Masanur, tour guide Virupaksha V. Hampi, and Ibrahim, the in-charge of the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery, were present during the visit.
