As part of its ongoing initiatives to commemorate the International Women’s Day, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara hosted an exhibition cum sales event on 14 March 2025, in collaboration with the “Ankara Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü” organization, under the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye.
The Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü organization has existed for decades in all provinces of the country, including Ankara. The organization trains female artisans to produce high quality intricate traditional arts and crafts, ensuring the continuity of the country’s craftsmanship.
The event was a highlight of the Embassy’s International Women’s Day celebrations, attracting over 100 guests throughout the day, including diplomats, government officials, Turkish business leaders and supporters of cultural diplomacy and those who support female entrepreneurship.
The opening ceremony of the event was honoured by the presence of Deputy Minister of National Education of Türkiye, Celile Eren Ökten who underscored the importance of supporting women-led craftsmanship and fostering deeper cultural exchanges between Türkiye and Sri Lanka.
The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of exquisite handmade Turkish products, crafted by talented women artisans from the Ankara Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü, highlighting their dedication to sustaining traditional artistic expressions.
Guests who attended the event explored unique handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and traditional artwork, each reflecting Türkiye’s rich artisanal heritage. More than just an exhibition, the event also served as a platform for strengthening business and diplomatic ties, with members of Türkiye’s business community expressing a keen interest in supporting women entrepreneurs in the traditional arts and crafts.
This initiative stands as a testament to the shared commitment of Sri Lanka and Türkiye to preserve traditional crafts and create sustainable opportunities for women artisans, in line with the global movement to empower women and celebrate their invaluable contributions to society, in the month of celebrating International Women’s Day.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
21 March 2025
