ANKARA, 25 March 2012: With the objective to showcase the beauty and cultural diversity of Pakistan and to reinforce the existing bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the people of Pakistan and Turkey, Cultural Week of Pakistan organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Turkey commenced with National Day reception here Friday evening. Turkish political and military leadership, parliamentarians, notables, media representatives, Pakistan community and diplomats based in Turkey attended the Pakistan Day Reception. Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Mr. Bulent Arinç, Defence Minister Mr. İsmet Yılmaz, Saadet Parti Genel Secretary Mr. Mustafa Kamalak, and Turkish Air and Navel Forces Chiefs were prominent among the guests attending. The Deputy Prime Minster also visited an exclusive Photo exhibition titled ‘Journey of Friendship.’
Pakistan Food Festival was formally inaugurated with the Pakistan Day Reception Friday evening where the Chefs, who are specially brought from Pakistan, prepared various Pakistani cuisines for the guests. On Saturday, they hosted an exclusive lunch for the representatives of the Turkish media. With tables set inside the kitchen of a hotel, the guests were explained various aspects of preparation of Pakistani food. Leading Turkish TV channels filmed the activity for audience. To show the variety of street food, free offerings of Buryani, Chaat, Dahi Barhe, Gol Gappas, etc., were made on Sunday evening in one of Ankara’s busy shopping malls.
Another spectacular event was a special art activity where young Turkish children and other international students studying in Pakistan Embassy School at Ankara participated. They, under the supervision of art teacher made a large painting in the form of a mosaic depicting Pakistani and Turkish landscapes to symbolize the eternal friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkey. Turkish Radio & Television Director Television H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Şahin was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the event.
The extraordinary tradition of decorating trucks and buses with its all colorful floral patterns and intricate design is truly a part of Pakistani transport tradition. The Pakistani truck art has been displayed in many parts of the World. The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara has now brought this unique art for the people of Turkey to enjoy and appreciate. Famous Truck artist Mr. Haider Ali and his colleague Mr. Sher Ali are showing their skills by painting a car in one of Ankara’s busy shopping Malls. They have started their painting from 23rd March and the concluding ceremony will take place on 30 March where Turkey’s racing car driver Ms Burcu Cetinkaya will grace the ceremony.
Another feature of the Pakistan Culture week will be a mega event on 28 March where Pakistan’s famous Qawal Mr. Fareed Ayaz and his group will perform Qawalis. This will be followed by a themed fashion show by Pakistan’s leading fashion designer Ms Nilofer Shahid. Theme for this spectacular cultural evening is ‘Iqbal and Rumi.’