Exhibit honoring Pakistan founder Jinnah opens in Istanbul
The Pakistani Embassy in Ankara has opened an exhibition at Istanbul's Rami Library commemorating the 150th anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birth, featuring historical photographs that document the founder's legal studies in London and Pakistan's 1947 independence movement.
An exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birth opened at Istanbul's Rami Library on Tuesday, drawing officials from both Türkiye and Pakistan to honor the founder's constitutional legacy. The Pakistani Embassy in Ankara organized the display — titled "The Founding Memory of a Nation" — in cooperation with Türkiye's Albayrak Group, according to Anadolu Agency. Pakistan's Ambassador to Türkiye Yusuf Junaid and Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun attended the opening ceremony alongside local officials, academics and invited guests.
'Enduring lessons' for the modern world
Speaking at the event, Junaid said Jinnah's leadership principles continue to offer important lessons beyond Pakistan's borders. "Jinnah's vision and leadership principles contain enduring lessons not only for Pakistan but for the entire modern world," he said, highlighting the founder's commitment to constitutional politics and the rule of law. Junaid noted that Jinnah viewed politics as "a constitutional process based on justice and representation, not a stage for spectacle," and emphasized that the demand for Pakistan stemmed from a belief in dignity through justice rather than hostility toward others.
'One nation, two states'
Sulun stated that Jinnah transformed the ideal of an independent state into reality and left a legacy of unity and justice to the Pakistani people. "The shared spirit of struggle and brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan has made us 'one nation, two states'," he said. Academic Davut Sahbaz, author of a book on Pakistan's history, noted that Jinnah holds a special place in Turkish memory because of his support for Muslim causes during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.
Historical collection on display
The exhibit features historical photos documenting Jinnah's life from his youth and legal studies in London through the 1940 Lahore Resolution to Pakistan's independence in 1947. A documentary on the founder's life was also screened during the event. The exhibition will remain open to visitors free of charge through June 23 at the Rami Library.
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