Monday, 25 May 2026
Turkish bridal traditions shine at Cairo fashion show
In a heartfelt celebration of enduring cultural bonds, the Turkish Embassy in Cairo hosted a vibrant fashion show spotlighting the rich wedding traditions of Anatolia. This special event was part of a series of activities marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Egypt, and was held under the patronage of Mrs. Naglaa Abdel Salam, wife of Egypt’s Foreign Minister.
A cultural tapestry unfolds
The delightful evening, titled “Our Wedding”, transformed the embassy into a colorful world of heritage, featuring a captivating fashion show and an exhibition called "The Bridal Bouquet."
Authentic bridal gowns and bouquets representing different regions across Anatolia were carefully crafted and beautifully displayed, telling stories of love and tradition that have been passed down through generations.
A musical homage across borders
Guests, including Egyptian and foreign diplomatic spouses, were treated to an extraordinary blend of Turkish classical music and the timeless melodies of Egypt’s legendary singer Umm Kulthum—honoring the 50th anniversary of her passing. In a touching tribute, Turkish musicians performed her iconic "A Thousand and One Nights and Layla" during the runway show, illuminating the deep musical ties between the two nations.
Shared traditions, common dreams
Mrs. Ayşen Belkıs Şen, wife of Turkish Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, warmly addressed the gathering, reflecting on how bridal traditions—like the cherished practice of presenting the bridal bouquet—remain alive in both countries, despite local variations.
“These shared treasures, revealing both our artistic sensibility and collective memory, highlight the value that ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Turkey place on family,” she said.
Mrs. Şen also noted Turkey’s ongoing focus on strong families, referencing the "Century of Turkey" vision and the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family." Egypt, too, looks forward to celebrating Umm Kulthum through various collaborative musical projects planned for 2025.
A warm reception and promising horizons
The “Our Wedding” fashion show was met with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt appreciation from the audience, serving as a poignant reminder of the unifying power of culture.
In a related gesture of goodwill, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited Cairo to attend the tourism ministers' meeting for D-8 member countries in May. There, he met Egypt's Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Hano and discussed organizing joint concerts to further spotlight the intertwined musical legacies of Turkey and Egypt.
As these two ancient civilizations continue to build bridges through culture, art, and tradition, the Ankara-in-Cairo bridal fashion show shines as a symbol of friendship—and a promise of even deeper connections to come.