The Turkish edition of Woxin Guichu Shi Dunhuang, an autobiography of archaeologist Fan Jinshi. CHINA DAILY

A book-sharing event for the Turkish edition of Woxin Guichu Shi Dunhuang (My Heart Belongs to Dunhuang) was held on Dec 16 during the 42nd International Istanbul Book Fair, which opened on Dec 13. According to Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese publishing delegation presented more than 700 titles at the fair.

Narrated by archaeologist Fan Jinshi and written by Gu Chunfang, Woxin Guichu Shi Dunhuang is Fan's autobiography. It traces her journey from an archaeology student at Peking University to her work over five decades at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu province in Northwest China.

For more than 50 years, Fan worked in the desert, conducting archaeological research on the caves and advancing the digital preservation and dissemination of cultural relics, devoting her life to protecting the ancient murals and sculptures.

First published in 2019 in Chinese by Yilin Press, the book has been translated into seven languages, including English and Russian.

In a video address, Fan said, "The Mogao Caves are the product of cultural communication and exchanges between the East and the West. I've witnessed US and Japanese scholars working alongside us to restore murals inside the caves. Civilization has been immortalized through exchange."

Chen Ye, deputy editor-in-chief of Yilin Press, presents the book to Mustafa Karsli, vice-president of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association. CHINA DAILY

Gu, in a video speech, said, "While writing this book, I was often moved by Fan's wisdom, kindness and perseverance. Dunhuang is not just China's treasure, but the world's. In this global era, we need such cultural bonds to help us write the future chapters of human civilization together."

At the book event, Chen Ye, deputy editor-in-chief of Yilin Press, said that the success of the book, which has sold 600,000 copies and garnered a dozen awards, reflects the global appreciation for the spirit of preserving civilization.

"This publishing collaboration not only allowed Fan Jinshi's story and Dunhuang's legacy to overcome language barriers but also served as a vivid testament to the deep cultural dialogue between China and Turkiye," she said.

Chen recounted Fan's remarkable life, explaining to Turkish readers the book's three core themes: the power of ordinary people to live lives of love and responsibility, the Mogao spirit of dedication and perseverance that belongs to all humanity, and the inspiration Dunhuang offers as a crossroads of ancient civilizations.

"Turkiye and China were both key hubs on the ancient Silk Road,"Chen said.

"Our lands have witnessed the collision and fusion of Eastern and Western ideas. We hope this book will spark local youths' curiosity about Chinese culture and foster a timeless resonance between the young people of our two countries," she added.

Mustafa Karsli, vice-president of the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association and the book's publisher in Turkiye, said at the event, "Dunhuang art and Turkiye's ancient cultural heritage share a natural connection as both are products of Eastern and Western cultural exchanges.

"Fan Jinshi's story, with its message of perseverance and dedication, resonates across borders. We believe this work will become an important window through which Turkish readers can explore Chinese culture."