Islamabad
Events held by the Turkish ambassador are always well-attended by Pakistanis from many walks of life and it was no different Monday evening when Ambassador and Mrs Babur Girgin hosted a reception to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic a testimony to the lasting friendship between people of both countries.
Besides the numerous Pakistani guests, members of the diplomatic community -- including those of the Defence Corps -- were also present along with Turkish nationals that live or work in the capital. The guest of honour was Minister of Defence; Water and Power, Khwaja Asif and the cake was cut after the national anthems of both countries had been played. Ambassador Girgin then read out a message by President Erdogan of Turkey in which he spoke of the glorious history of his country as well as recent events that threatened democracy.
The reception was held on the spacious lawns that separate the embassy from the ambassador’s residence. The lawn on the upper level was, as usual left open, with tables dotted here and there, while the lower level was covered with a canopy to keep out the chill which is felt in the weather about this time of the year. There were flowers everywhere. The hosts and other senior members of the embassy greeted and welcomed guests as they arrived and went on to enjoy the evening. A screening of the sights and sounds of Turkey celebrating this auspicious occasion was on during the reception for those who were interested in watching it, while some guests recalled how they had had watched live performances by the famous Turkish band ‘Mehtar’ perform in Pakistan at the Turkish embassy a few years back.
Guests who favour the fact that Urdu should be the official language of Pakistan were appreciative of the fact that Ambassador Girgin sends out invitation cards that are printed in Urdu! “It gives me a good feeling” said a retired Air Force officer. “We should be doing the same.”
The hosts sure that guests were well looked. Dinner was served and there were a number of specialties of different cuisine to choose from. Those guests who stayed on to enjoy Turkish hospitality interacted both among themselves and with members of the embassy, agreeing that both the weather and the atmosphere had made it a very pleasant affair.