Discover Turkey in Dubai

Anatolian traditions and life form the theme of the Turkey pavilion at Global Village

Over the last five years the Turkey pavilion at Global Village has used prominent landmarks in Istanbul such as the Topkapi Palace, Dolma Palace, Concept Island etc. to showcase Turkey in Dubai. However, this year the focus is on Anatolian traditions and a day in the life of an ancient Turk.
The historical background of the façade of the pavilion is based around Cappadocian history. Incidentally Cappadocia was known as Hatti in the late Bronze Age, and was the homeland of the Hittite power centered at Hattusa. After the fall of the Hittite Empire, Cappadocia was ruled by a sort of feudal aristocracy, dwelling in strong castles. "We have based our façade on this feature of Turkish heritage," explains Mehmet Bulbul, managing director and investor of the Turkey pavilion at Global Village.
It's not just about the history. As part of the 20th season of Global Village, visitors to the pavilion are offered 'Happy Day' discounts every Sunday and a 'Surprise' gift on random days. Furthermore, the organisers are also organising a fund raising project called 'Smile on the faces', the proceeds of which will be donated to hospitals for children or a special kids' foundation within the UAE.
"For leisure, we will be sending two families to spend a five-day holiday in Cappadocia, Turkey, and to encourage interactive sessions, we are conducting a demonstration of interesting activities. These include Turkish copper smithing, pottery shows, glass blowing and moulding, the micro art made in various objects and how to make a traditional bamboo wicker basket - all of which will run through the entire season," Bulbul adds.
Eleven popular dancers and five handicraft artists have been brought to Dubai from Turkey to perform and showcase Turkish talent and tradition. Cappadocia today is a popular tourist destination known for its 'fairy chimneys,' which are tall cone-shaped rock formations and the Bronze Age homes carved into valleys. Turkey is an agriculturally self-sufficient country and the livelihood of each generation depends on this type of work. This cultural aspect is well portrayed in the pavilion using various exhibits that showcase the traditional way of living in Cappadocia. You can view the Cappadocian traditional lifestyle at the Heritage Centre inside the Turkey pavilion.
Coming back to this century, the products on offer in the pavilion this season are as exotic as wood watches to more contemporary sunglasses. In addition, the pavilion has on sale some of the all-time favourite Turkish products such as Turkish teacups, coffee cups and pots, Turkish delights, Turkish dresses and accessories, various Turkish spices, Turkish furniture and some of the world's finest home decorations.
The various delicacies of Turkish cuisine at the pavilion are a major draw - Turkish delights, baklava, simit, borek, nuts, candy, ice cream, Turkish tea and coffee, Turkish spices and fruit beverages, sweets and pastries.
"We are delighted to showcase what Turkey is all about to our Global Village guests. Turkey pavilion is growing and caters to both the young and the old in the UAE. It has opened the door for Turkish exhibitors to make their products well known in the UAE and other GCC countries," Mehmet concludes.
Photos: Supplied, Suchitra Steven Samuel
suchitra@khaleejtimes.com