Human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman told Yemeni students at Sakarya University that culture is neither a luxury nor a diplomatic afterthought, but a practical force for building bridges between nations at a time of rising conflict and division.

Speaking at the Yemeni Cultural Day event, organized jointly by the university's Yemeni Students Union and the Tawakkol Karman Foundation, Karman used the festival's theme — "We Build Bridges, We Build Civilizations" — to argue that cultural exchange serves as a crucial form of resistance against authoritarianism and hate speech.

"True culture never builds walls—it builds bridges," Karman said, describing culture not as mere entertainment or folklore, but as the foundational lens through which societies learn to understand and respect one another.

Karman directed much of her address to the students present, telling them they represented "the true face of Yemen, its culture, and its humanity" to the international community. She urged them to resist defeatism, arguing that a civilization is measured not by what its ancestors left behind, but by what its current generation contributes through knowledge, justice, and creativity.

To contextualize her argument, she pointed to the post-war reconstruction of Germany and Japan, as well as Turkey's modern development, as evidence that nations can recover from collapse if their populations refuse to surrender to defeat. Yemenis, she noted, had historically "carved their homes into the flanks of mountains and engineered agricultural terraces," proving a long-standing, ancestral capacity to turn adversity into advancement.

Karman also expressed gratitude to Turkey for hosting thousands of Yemeni students and opening its universities to them, calling the country's economic and educational trajectory a case study in national modernization achieved through labor and political will.

She closed by framing hope as an active strategy rather than passive optimism. "Tyrants do not merely fear armies and weapons," Karman said. "They fear the individual who believes in themselves, possesses a clear vision, and commands a free mind."

The full text of the address follows below:
To begin, I would like to express my delight at being part of this forum, which serves as a vital bridge for cultural and intellectual exchange.  
I am especially proud of the partnership between the Tawakkol Karman Foundation and the Yemeni Students Union in Turkey (Sakarya Branch)—a collaboration that has beautifully culminated in today’s celebration of culture and art.
It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today in this vast space of knowledge and shared humanity.
The theme of this Yemeni Cultural Festival, 'We Build Bridges, We Build Civilizations,' is far more than just a beautiful phrase. It is a vital humanitarian message that our world needs today more than ever.
Culture is neither a luxury nor an afterthought, and nations that treat it as mere entertainment suffer immense losses. Culture is not just arts, songs, and folklore; it is the very lens through which we view the world, learning to respect, understand, and connect with one another. True culture never builds walls—it builds bridges.
In today’s deeply complex world, culture emerges as a vital soft power—one that is capable of creating common ground and building genuine bridges of connection between nations. The true value of culture lies not just in its role as a diplomatic tool, but in its essence as a profound form of resistance through which peoples preserve their identity, balance, and stability.
When we say 'we build bridges' today, we do not simply mean bridges among Yemenis themselves, but bridges connecting nations, cultures, ideas, and our shared humanity. The world is not built on fear, hatred, or racism; it is built when people come to know one another with sincerity and respect.
Your presence here, in an international university surrounded by diverse cultures, is a magnificent opportunity to bring this meaning to life. You represent far more than just yourselves—you represent the true face of Yemen, its culture, and its humanity. Every meaningful dialogue, every act of collaboration, and every embrace of diversity is a direct contribution to building a more peaceful and just world.
That is why this festival is not merely a cultural celebration. It is a powerful declaration that Yemen, despite the war and the pain, still carries a vibrant culture of life and a spirit capable of connection and giving. It stands as proof that we still believe culture and dialogue are ultimately stronger than hatred and division.

My dear students,
Yemen possesses a long, storied history of civilization. It was never a country closed off to the world, but rather a crossroads of cultural intersection and exchange. Through its ports, trade flourished; from its cities, knowledge spread; and from its people, poetry, music, wisdom, and the true spirit of coexistence emerged.
Yet, for us, Yemen is not merely an ancient civilization to take pride in. It is a living present that resists its painful reality, striving to begin anew no matter how daunting the circumstances. This is precisely what I see in the title of today’s event: 'We Build Civilizations.'
This simple phrase carries a profound sense of responsibility. It reflects a true awareness within this generation that a civilization is not measured solely by what our ancestors left behind, but by what their children can contribute today through knowledge, justice, creativity, and hope.
To see among us researchers, engineers, creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors, and leaders across various fields who carry a different image of Yemen—this is the true victory. It is the image of a human being capable of building, not one besieged by defeat.
Yes, our homeland, Yemen, suffers from war, coups, and corruption, just as the entire world is witnessing a retreat of democracy and a rise in authoritarianism, hate speech, and racism. On a deeply personal level, I know the pain, suffering, and relentless pressures that Yemeni students endure, both inside Yemen and abroad.
But none of this should create a generation defined by fear or broken spirits. A free will is capable of transforming tragedy into strength, and adversity into the dawn of a new rise.
If we look at the journey of civilizations throughout history, we find that they were never born out of luxury and stability, but rather from the very heart of crises and adversity.
Following the Second World War, Japan and Germany transformed themselves from utter devastation into global models of economic power, technology, and education—all because their people refused to surrender to defeat.
Turkey, the very country you live in today, endured difficult periods of division, coups, and crises. Yet, it succeeded in building a remarkable model of industry, education, and infrastructure, proving that nations believing in themselves will always rise, no matter how hard they stumble.
As for the Yemeni people—who carved their homes into the flanks of mountains, engineered agricultural terraces, and established one of the ancient world's most enduring civilizations—they did not achieve this by living an easy life. They achieved it because they confronted monumental challenges and forged them into historic achievements.
This very genius resides within you today. You are the creative soul of this nation. This ordeal is not the end of our history; it may very well be the beginning of its most beautiful chapter.
Today’s world does not wait merely for those who hold power, but for those who possess ideas, skills, and the capacity to learn and innovate. Therefore, the most vital thing a young Yemeni can do today is to believe in themselves and in their ability to shape their own future, regardless of the circumstances.
Do not allow frustration to become your way of thinking, and never let circumstances convince you that your dreams are impossible. Many of history's greatest achievements began with ordinary people who simply possessed the extraordinary courage to try.
I truly believe that the future is not built by those who enjoy perfect conditions, but by those who possess an unyielding will. Despite everything, Yemeni youth still hold an untamed energy for life, a profound capacity to learn, and a spirit capable of transforming pain into power.
You are not victims of a reality you did not choose; you are the true driving force to change it.
Here, at this international university, you are not merely living away from your homeland; you are opening doors to global knowledge, diverse experiences, and vital expertise. Every lecture hall you enter, and every idea you develop, is a foundational brick in building the Yemen of tomorrow.

In this regard, I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Turkey—a country that has warmly embraced thousands of Yemeni students and opened its doors of education and knowledge to them. For us, Turkey is not just a place of study; it is a living blueprint of how nations can rise anew through education, hard work, and determination.

In conclusion:
March forward with your eyes fixed on the wide horizon, your hearts filled with a conscious pride in your identity. Always remember that the genius dormant within you awaits nothing less than resolute action and relentless dedication.
Today, through this magnificent display of diversity, we declare to the world: look at the children of Yemen—learning, building, innovating, and contributing a fresh, beautiful face of creativity and generosity to the human story.
You are the true ambassadors of your culture, and the living bridges connecting your homeland to the world. Channel your pain into creative energy, and transform your cultural heritage into a launchpad for innovation, rather than a retreat into isolation.
Never lose hope. Never allow this harsh world to steal your self-belief or your conviction that a brighter future is possible. Hope is not an escape from reality; it is an act of defiance, and a roadmap out of the dark.
Hold fast to your dreams, your passion, your ambition, and your faith in yourselves. Dream, learn, work, and never surrender.
Always remember that every great achievement began as a dream that once seemed impossible, and that a human being can reshape their destiny the moment they believe in themselves and cling to hope, no matter how dire the circumstances.

The dawn may be delayed… but it is only ever born from the deepest darkness.
For tyrants do not merely fear armies and weapons; they fear the individual who believes in themselves, possesses a clear vision, and commands a free mind that knows exactly what it wants.
Because nations that believe in their power to change will always, no matter how long it takes, rebuild their civilization anew.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of God.