Chinese and Turkish writers gathered on Monday to discuss the impact of globalization on literature as part of a Chinese event aimed at improving cultural exchanges between the two countries.

As globalization spreads western culture, the rich literature traditions of different nations should be protected and inherited, Jiang Wei, a writer from the Chinese Writers' Association said at a symposium held at the Confucious Institute in the Middle East Technical University.

"American culture is great, so are the cultures of other countries including Turkish and Chinese cultures, which have a much longer history than American culture. Therefore, every civilization has its reason to exist and is a sacred heritage," he said.

Wang Yuewen, who wrote several novels on China's officialdom, briefed the audience the realistic tradition of Chinese literature and said writers should make good use of realism and create works that reflect the challenges faced by China and other societies in their development.

Turkish writer Nazli Eray said Turkish and Chinese people should enhance mutual understanding in terms of literature and history, saying "I really want to know how a Chinese writer sees the world."

The symposium was a part of a large-scale cultural event termed "Experience China in Turkey" held in Ankara and the Turkish city of Istanbul. The event started on Oct. 17 and will last till the end of the month.

Sponsored by China's State Council Information Office, the event covers nine major activities, including the Chinese-Turkish political and economic forums, Chinese movie and television weeks, Chinese cuisine festival and exchanges between journalists and writers.