Erkan Özoral is one of those people who have traveled the world. Thanks to his education, diplomatic service, and interest in foreign countries, he has worked not only in his native Türkiye but also across Europe and Asia. He currently serves as the Turkish ambassador in Bratislava. “I feel at home everywhere, but I couldn‘t do this job without my wife. Being a diplomat is not a one-person job; it‘s a job for two,” says the man who, in addition to his diplomatic duties, enjoys exploring local customs and flavors on his travels. In Slovakia, he has developed a taste for fried cheese and Kofola.
You work as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Slovakia. Can you describe some events presenting Türkiye in this region last year (culture, science, gastronomy)? Which of them were the most popular among Slovaks?
We try to organize a wide range of events, from bringing together exchange students to classical music concerts. Every October 29th, we celebrate the foundation of our Republic. It is difficult to say which events are more interesting for our Slovak friends as they are always fully attended.
And conversely, what is the perception of Slovak culture or other events in Türkiye?
Slovakia is known in Türkiye as a beautiful country in Central Europe, celebrated for its nature and historical cities. The world- famous Slovak castles and the historical events related to them also attract the attention of Turks. Apart from these, I can say that Slovak athletes are very popular in Türkiye. The biggest contributions in this regard are made by football players. Stoch, Hamšík, Škrtel, and Hološko are the first names that come to my mind.
How would you define the character of Turks and Slovaks? What is the biggest difference? Do they have something in common too?
Both Turks and Slovaks are hospitable and helpful people. I can‘t say there are many differences between them. However, if I had to point out one, I would mention the times when we start and end our day. While Slovaks prefer to start and end their day early, in Türkiye, you may still be discussing with a friend what to have for dinner at 9 p.m. As for things in common, we have many. What I like the most is the passion both sides share for good food.
Do you have a favorite Slovak food or drink?
I know I‘ll miss fried cheese and draft Kofola when I leave Slovakia. Slovakian goose is an unforgettable specialty. I am already recommending fried goose, goose liver, and goose soup made in the village of Slovenský Grob to everyone coming from Türkiye to Bratislava.
You meet various people, customs, and ways of life due to your work. What is your most precious discovery about our world?
I have traveled to many countries and had the opportunity to live among many peoples due to my profession. If you ask me about the most important discovery I‘ve made about the world, it is that, no matter how many kilometers apart they are, people are happy or sad about the same things. Even if you do not speak the same language, I realized that the most important way to communicate with people is to approach them with good intentions. As human beings, we share the same values. Our families and loved ones are always the most important parts of our lives. We strive for the same values. Every person expects the same from others: goodwill, respect, and being seen as a valuable individual. These are also the same principles taught by all philosophies and religions. As humanity, we are one big family, sharing the same planet – at least until we find a second Earth.
You are married. How does your wife handle your work, the changes, and constant traveling?
One of the most challenging aspects of our profession – perhaps the most difficult – is the sacrifices our spouses make for us. They set aside their own plans to travel to every corner of the world with us. On the other hand, being a diplomat is not a one-person job; it‘s a job for two. I cannot imagine how I would do this job without my teammate. In this sense, I am grateful to my dear wife, who always performs the art of diplomacy in the most beautiful way.
You have been working in diplomatic service in different countries for many years: Germany, Azerbaijan, and now Slovakia. Are you able to find a home in every country? What does „home“ mean to you?
Turtles and diplomats have something in common – they both carry their homes on their backs. Home for me is wherever I am with my family and dear friends. Luckily, I have been able to build good friendships everywhere I????ve traveled
CV BOX
Erkan Özoral was born in Erzincan, Turkey (1965).
He began working at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989.
He worked as attaché and third secretary at the Riyadh Embassy (1992–1994), vice consul at the Karlsruhe Consulate General (1994– 1997), second secretary and first secretary at the General Directorate of Protocol (1997–1999), First secretary and counsellor at the Berlin Embassy (1999–2003), head of section at the General Directorate of Protocol (2003–2005), and as counsellor and first counsellor at the Baku Embassy (2005–2009).
He continued to work as head of department at the Directorate General for Bilateral Economic Affairs (2009–2011) and at the Directorate General for Multilateral Economic Affairs in 2011. Later, he was appointed Chief Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister (2011–2014) and Chief Foreign Affairs Advisor to the President (2014–2016).
From October 2016 to April 2021, he served as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Azerbaijan. He was also a member of the Foreign Policy Advisory Board at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of Protocol for the President of the Republic of Türkiye (2021–2024). Currently, he is the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Slovak Republic.
He is married; his wife‘s name is Meltem Ozoral.
