EU AMBASSADOR OSSOWSKI BIDS FAREWELL TO ANKARA
As his term in Ankara nears its end, EU Ambassador and Head of the Delegation to Türkiye, Thomas Hans Ossowski, shared heartfelt reflections at the launch of the photo book One Life One Story. Ossowski, who will leave Türkiye at the end of the month, said:
“This country, its people, its history, nature, and generosity, have truly touched our hearts. We’re taking Türkiye with us in our hearts.”
Quoting Turkish poet Özdemir Asaf, he concluded with the line: “Don’t look at me, I’ll be in the direction you’re looking,” emphasizing the deep and lasting bond he’s formed with the country.
The launch event for One Life One Story, a photo book about EU projects supporting Syrian refugees in Türkiye, was held at the Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum. It was Ambassador Ossowski’s final event as host before his upcoming move to Brussels, where he will serve as Germany’s EU Ambassador. The reception was attended by diplomats, NGO representatives, and guests.
In his speech, Ossowski said he had traveled to every region of Türkiye during his one-year posting.
“This year was truly a gift for me and my family. Discovering Türkiye’s beauty was a privilege,” he said.
“WE FELT THE COUNTRY’S HEARTBEAT IN EVERY STEP”
For Ossowski and his family, living in Türkiye was more than a diplomatic mission; it was a deeply human experience.
“We felt the hospitality, the warmth of the people, the richness of the food. From Gaziantep to Istanbul, from Kayseri to the Aegean coast, we felt this country’s heartbeat in every step,” he said.
HIS FAVORITE TURKISH WORD: HOPE
Ossowski said he and his wife have been learning Turkish.
“It’s such a beautiful and logical language. I fell in love with many words, especially umut (hope). It’s what keeps us going, even in difficult times.”
TÜRKİYE AND THE EU: STRONGER TOGETHER
During his speech, Ossowski emphasized efforts to strengthen Türkiye-EU relations.
“Türkiye is the EU’s biggest trade partner, a major investor, and a NATO ally. These are not just economic links—they are strategic. We can do more together in areas like customs union modernization, green transition, energy security, and visa liberalization. We’ll continue to support Türkiye’s reform efforts as an EU candidate country,” he said.
“TÜRKİYE SHOWS WHAT SOLIDARITY LOOKS LIKE”
Ossowski also reflected on the book’s message.
“Each photo, each quote reminds us that behind every statistic is a person—a mother, a child, a student, a war survivor, now someone contributing to Türkiye. Türkiye is the world’s largest host of refugees. The EU could only support this with Türkiye’s leadership and hospitality. We deeply respect this generosity,” he said.
He noted that EU funding in Türkiye has helped 836,000 refugee children access education, built 176 schools and 178 health centers, and provided over €500 million in support to municipalities from Kilis to Hatay.
“This isn’t just aid—it’s a contribution to human dignity. We’re committed to continuing this cooperation.”
Ossowski once again ended with a quote from Özdemir Asaf, underscoring the lasting emotional ties he carries with him.
EVERY PHOTO IS A STORY OF HOPE
Elif Kurşunlu, Director General for EU Affairs at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also spoke about the book:
“Thank you for reminding those who were forced to leave their homes, cities, and countries that they are human beings. Sadly, we sometimes forget this simple truth. We speak in numbers, in statistics—but behind them are people. This photo book tells us that their stories matter. Every image reflects struggle, resilience, love, and hope for a better future.”
