Chinese calligrapher opens workshop at Istanbul Book Fair

The 32nd International Istanbul Book Fair. (Xinhua)

The 32nd International Istanbul Book Fair recently opened. China is the Guest of Honor at the event. Various activities are being held to immerse Turkish people in Chinese literature and Chinese culture as a whole.

It's said that music is a universal language. Renowned Chinese calligrapher Pang Zhonghua is using it to give a lecture on Chinese calligraphy.

With the rhythm of music, Pang demonstrates the writing of Chinese letters. The audience follows him in mimicking the writing. This way of teaching proved to be something new to the audience and they are intrigued.

During the book fair, Pang will give three such lectures to introduce Chinese calligraphy to Turkish people. The workshop is just one of the China-focused activities at this year's fair.

"Chinese calligraphy is a cultural treasure of the world. It not only belongs to Chinese people but also to all humankind. I feel obliged to introduce the art to the world," said Pang.

The Istanbul Book Fair runs through November 10, with major Chinese events until Tuesday.

This year's event has attracted some 100 publishers and 15 prominent writers from China. Major events between China and Turkey include discussions between writers, panel discussions with scholars, exchanges among publishers and the publication of Turkish versions of some Chinese books.