Tribute to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of Pakistan

150th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of Pakistan

A special exhibition dedicated to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was held at Istanbul’s Rami Library to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. The event brought together diplomats, academics, members of the Pakistani community, and numerous visitors eager to discover or revisit the legacy of the man Pakistanis affectionately call the “Quaid-e-Azam” (Great Leader).

The commemoration aimed to highlight Jinnah’s central role in the creation of Pakistan in 1947, as well as the political and institutional principles he championed throughout his career. Archival documents, historical photographs, and educational displays allowed visitors to explore the key stages of his political journey.

The exhibition also emphasized the lasting influence of his ideas on contemporary Pakistani political life. For many participants, the event was not only a historical tribute but also an opportunity to reflect on the continued relevance of the values championed by Jinnah.

A Political Legacy That Continues to Inspire

During his speech, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye stressed that the celebration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 150th birth anniversary was far more than a simple commemoration.

According to the ambassador, the principles defended by Pakistan’s founder remain at the heart of the country’s national identity. He recalled that Jinnah devoted much of his life to a constitutional struggle aimed at securing Pakistan’s independence through political and institutional means.

The ambassador emphasized that Jinnah’s legacy is rooted in values such as democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, justice, equality, and freedom of expression. He noted that these principles continue to inspire present and future generations in Pakistan.

For the organizers, the exhibition also served as an opportunity to pass this legacy on to younger generations by showcasing the ideas and political vision of Pakistan’s founding father.

A Historic Friendship Between Pakistan and Türkiye

Beyond the legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the ceremony also provided an opportunity to highlight relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

In his remarks, the ambassador described the ties between the two countries as a unique brotherhood, noting that Pakistanis never feel like strangers in Türkiye, just as Turkish citizens are welcomed in Pakistan with a special sense of closeness.

He recalled several significant moments when the two nations supported one another, including natural disasters and key historical events that strengthened cooperation between them.

According to the diplomat, this relationship is not based solely on strategic or economic interests. It is also founded on deep human, cultural, and historical ties that have grown stronger over the decades.

The exhibition in Istanbul illustrates this close relationship between Islamabad and Ankara. By hosting the event, the Rami Library provided a space for dialogue about Pakistan’s history and the place Muhammad Ali Jinnah occupies in the country’s collective memory.

As Pakistan marks the 150th anniversary of its founder’s birth, this exhibition in Türkiye reflects a shared commitment to preserving and passing on a legacy that continues to shape the country’s political and institutional life. It also highlights a bilateral relationship that leaders from both nations frequently describe as one of the strongest in the contemporary Muslim world.

Summary:

To mark the 150th anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth, a special exhibition at Istanbul’s Rami Library retraces the life and legacy of Pakistan’s founder. The event also highlighted the political values championed by Jinnah and the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Pakistan’s ambassador emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy and strengthening the friendship between the two nations.