Pakistan Cultural Night - Ankara - Turkey (Pakistan kültürel gece)

Themed "Iqbal and Rumi" the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara organized Pakistan Cultural Night on 28 March 2012. The event was part of Pakistan Cultural Week "Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan" celebrated in Turkey from 23-30 March. Over 500 people attended the spectacular cultural extravaganza. Top leadership of Turkey including the Acting Prime Minister Mr. Bülent Arınç and his wife Mrs. Münevver Arınç, Mrs. Zeynep Babacan - the Spouse of Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ali Babacan, Mrs. Sara Davutoğlu -- the Spouse of the Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Naci Koru, parliamentarians, Turkish military leadership, ambassadors, businessmen, media representatives and members of Pakistani community attended the event. Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwal group performed Qawali, a sufi music of Pakistan with the poetry of Mevlana Jallaleddin Rumi and famous Pakistani poet and philosopher Allama Muhammed Iqbal. Event continued with a captivating fashion show by Pakistan's leading fashion designer Ms. Nilofer Shahid who is also known as Pakistan's queen of classic haute couture. With the exquisite collection of elegant, intricate and colorful dresses, which drew inspiration from Islamic and Mogul art, Nilofar paid tribute to the two greatest mystic poets of all time- Rumi and Iqbal. The audience appreciated both the performances with standing ovation. The guests were served a blend of Pakistani and Turkish cuisine prepared by chefs from Pakistan, specially brought to Turkey for the cultural week events.