In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and artistic empowerment, the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo hosted “Turkey Day” at the Grand Egyptian Museum, held on the sidelines of the Women’s Empowerment Through Art Forum. The event coincided with Turkey’s Youth and Sports Day and commemorated the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic.
The forum brought together an exceptional assembly of women artists from across the globe, including seven Turkish female artists, who presented a curated exhibition of 22 artworks in the Turkish Pavilion. The gathering attracted high-level attendees including Turkey’s Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Salih Mutlu Şen, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador H.E. Elkhan Polukhov, Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Sherin Badr, founder and CEO of the Art Today Foundation, along with numerous Egyptian and international diplomats, artists, and media professionals.
A Celebration of Culture and Craft
The Turkey Day program offered an immersive experience in Turkish heritage and artistry. Visitors enjoyed live demonstrations of traditional Turkish coffee preparation and tastings of iconic Turkish cuisine and sweets. A highlight of the day was a hands-on Ebru art workshop—the intricate Ottoman tradition of painting on water—led by Egyptian artist Hanan Refai, who introduced participants to the materials, techniques, and classical motifs of this mesmerizing art form.
Adding to the day’s cultural depth, Turkish professor and artist Dr. Tuğba Celbi from Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts delivered a powerful silent performance titled “Transparent Scream,”—a visual message raising awareness about the devastating environmental effects of plastic waste, especially on marine life.
Art as a Medium of Empowerment
The Turkish Pavilion, which drew significant attention from attendees and art enthusiasts, stood as a compelling contribution to the forum’s central theme: art as a vehicle for women’s empowerment. The Women’s Empowerment Through Art Forum positions itself as a dynamic platform combining visual exhibitions, interactive workshops, live painting sessions, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting values of peace, justice, and gender equality through creative expression.
At the conclusion of the day, participating Turkish artists received certificates of appreciation, marking not only their artistic contributions but also the event’s broader success in reinforcing cultural bridges and celebrating women’s voices in the global artistic landscape.
