11 Oct 2023

In a celebration of culture and tradition, the Embassy of Turkey held a fashion show last night ahead of that country’s 100th anniversary.

The costumes, designed with hand woven silk and velvet fabrics, were displayed by local models at the residence of the ambassador of Turkey. The items form part of a collection owned by Izmir OlgunlaÅŸma Institute of Turkey.

“The institute can be described as a vocational training institute in the city of Ä°zmir, which is located in western Turkey,” said the Ambassador of Turkiye, Mr Ahmet Idem Akay at the ceremony. “Izmir is the third largest city in our country,”He said the Institute keeps alive the traditional Turkish arts and handicrafts by providing vocational training, and that projects undertaken are under the auspices of the First Lady of Turkiye, Ms Emine ErdoÄŸan.

“These models are showcasing traditional costumes reflecting different civilisations that existed in our country throughout the centuries,” Mr Akay explained.

The Minister of Youth, Sport Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare,  who attended the fashion show, stated that  diplomatic relations with countries such as Turkey especially on areas of culture are important for the development of Botswana’s creative sector. He said there was a lot that Botswana’s creative sector could learn from Turkey, adding that the fashion show empowered some local creatives such as models and fashion coordinator Emmanuel Kayenda.

The ambassador’s wife, Ms Özlem Akay expressed her willingness to work with, and empower, young Batswana designers to achieve their vision.

“This fashion show will be a bridge between our two cultures through fashion and art,” she said. Ends