Today's Edition
ISTANBUL (WAM)
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, visited Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul on Friday, accompanied by Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye.
During the visit, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak toured several halls and corridors of the palace, one of Istanbul's most renowned historical and architectural landmarks.
She viewed sections of the palace overlooking the Bosphorus from the European side of Istanbul, exploring a collection of rare artefacts, including exquisite works of art and intricately decorated furniture that reflect the splendour of Islamic art incorporated into the palace's design.
Her tour included the palace’s wings, distinguished by their unique decorations and antique furniture, along with its grand gates and the main hall, which has hosted significant political meetings. She was also briefed on the cultural and political history preserved within the palace.
The custodians of the palace provided H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak with an overview of its rich history, explaining that construction began in 1834 during the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid I and was completed after 13 years of work.
Designed to serve as a residence for Ottoman sultans, the palace combines European and Eastern architectural styles and houses more than 285 rooms, 46 reception halls, and exhibition halls.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak expressed her pleasure at visiting the palace, which offered her insights into a significant aspect of Turkish history and showcased the architectural and cultural artistry that reflects the depth and diversity of this civilisation, leaving a lasting mark on the fields of art, heritage, and human development.
During the visit, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak also attended a Turkish fashion show held within the palace, featuring designs inspired by Turkish heritage, blended with contemporary touches that reflect innovation and modernity while preserving authentic Turkish culture.
Emine Erdoğan hosted a luncheon in honour of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her accompanying delegation, attended by several prominent Turkish women figures.
Accompanying H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak during her visit is a delegation comprising H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Erth Zayed Philanthropies; H.H. Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
The delegation also includes Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union; Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.
