ANKARA 31 March 2022 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara concluded its series of National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) activities by hosting a cultural immersion activity on 30 March 2022 at the Ankara Olgunlaşma Institute, a center for research, training, and production of traditional Turkish clothing and handicrafts.
Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (3-R) together with members of the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses Solidarity Association (DMEDD) at the Olgunlaşma Institute (Embassy Photo)
The event was organized in collaboration with the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC) in Ankara and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses’ Solidarity Association (DMEDD). It was intended as a pilot cooperation project between the two Ankara-based associations.
“Through this cultural immersion, we are able to know and appreciate similarities in each other’s cultures, values, interests, and aspirations. The ASEAN Ladies Circle widens its circle of friends by engaging with the ladies of our host country, Turkey, and celebrating with the latter the significant contribution of women to society and development.” said Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Elena P. Algabre during her remarks. She cited the Philippines’ month-long celebration in March as National Women’s Month.
Guests viewing the historic artifacts of the Ottoman Empire (Embassy Photo)
Mrs. Ilknur Koçbiyik, Head of the Olgunlaşma Institute, warmly welcomed the thirty-nine (39) participants from the ALC and DMEDD, led by ALC President Madame Sinta A. Iqbal of Indonesia and DMEDD President Madame Simay Gümrükçü.
Guests watching demonstrations of embroidery making and marbling (ebru) (Embassy Photo)
The Olgunlaşma Institute aims to train Turkish women who are skillful, creative, and have high potential abilities in traditional handicrafts. Participants were given a guided tour of the museum and the workshop areas for handicrafts, ceramics, and marbling (ebru). The event ended with a fashion show of 16 traditional Turkish clothes from different provinces.
The Olgunlaşma Institute aims to train Turkish women who are skillful, creative, and have high potential abilities in traditional handicrafts. Participants were given a guided tour of the museum and the workshop areas for handicrafts, ceramics, and marbling (ebru). The event ended with a fashion show of 16 traditional Turkish clothes from different provinces.
Participants enjoying the fashion show of clothes from different provinces in Turkey (Embassy photo)
The event reflects the Embassy’s mission to promote awareness of NWMC held every year in March. The NWMC theme for 2017–2022 is, “We Make Change Work for Women,” which highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to and claimholders of development.##
