LAHORE: Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has said Pakistan and Turkey have strong relations as Turkey always stood by Pakistan, especially on the Kashmir issue.

He was addressing a big gathering at Alhamra on Tuesday in connection with the Sufi Night by the Turkish Cultural Centre, Lahore, and the Lahore Arts Council.

He said under the leadership of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Imran Khan, relations between the two countries would be more strengthened.

Later on, the Lahore Arts Council with the Younes Emery Institute of Turkish Cultural Center held Sufi Night for Sufi Music lovers in which ‘Whirling Dervishes’ of Istanbul-based ‘Konya Turkish Sufi Music Ensemble’ enthralled the people with their mesmerizing performance in their unique style.

Consulate General Turkey Emir Ozbay, Chairperson Lahore Arts Council Moneeza Hashmi and Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Ather Ali Khan were among the disguised guests who attended the evening.

The Turkish Whirling Dervishes with their unmatchable dance ‘Sema’ spellbound the audience with their performance.

Turkish Consulate General Emir Ozbay said Alhamra was the main platform for the promotion of art.

“The art of Whirling Dervish is the reflection of Sufi traditions; we really appreciate the efforts of the LAC for promotion of art and culture”. There were mystical music performances as well.

Fahir Ozcakil, director of Konya Turkish Music Ensemble, told Dawn the group was formed in 1990, and it had performed in many counties, including Pakistan. He said the group had already performed in Pakistan in previous years too.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2019