Turkish Pavilion officially opens at Global Village

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of His Excellency Þefik Vural Altay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the UAE; Turkey's Consul-General in Dubai, Mrs. Elif Çomoðlu Ülgen; in the presence of Mr. Waleed Al Maghribi representing Global Village management, Mr. Haluk Pekmezoglu, the General Manager of the organizing company of the Turkish Pavilion: Ayn Organize Exhibition.

The Turkish Pavilion at Global Village resembles a piece of hand-made aesthetic item put together in harmony. Sets of glass and ceramic home ware with their fine Anatolian designs come in lively colors yet reflect the country's epochs in terms of form, calligraphy and design. Also known as Asia Minor, Turkey's strategic location between two continents gives it a unique cultural depth that has attracted a large number of tourists over the years. Similarly, the Turkish Pavilion is a bustling hive for visitors who flock to try the Turkish delicacies and shop for aesthetic items that are on display.

As a tourist destination, Turkey has played a major role in the provision of hospitality services and raising the bar of its tourism and industry sectors which resulted in rapid economic growth which in turn contributed to lower inflation rates. All this is reflected in the variety of products showcased within Turkey's Pavilion at Global Village. The display of the range of apparel, leather goods, rare handcrafted items, Turkish delights, coffee and the special Alma tea with apple or herbal flavors is only a sample of the country's offerings.

"I am proud of the success of the Turkish Pavilion at Global Village. For the past three years I have seen this pavilion grow and become more expressive of Turkey's culture. The pavilion sets an address for visitors to know more about Turkey which enhances tourism and international trade. Turkey has marked a notable economic growth in the past years. The tourism sector alone has registered around 32 million tourists in the last year assuring that Turkey is becoming more and more popular worldwide as a tourist destination," said H.E. Þefik Vural Altay, the Turkish ambassador.

There are more than 90 exhibitors in the Turkish Pavilion, including a tourism agency to facilitate to visitors and further promote tourism in the country's picturesque getaways and bustling cities. But before embarking on the journey, a tour around the pavilion is culturally enhancing. A taste of the country's cuisines and snacks is essential. Turkish Kumpir (baked stuffed potatoes), Kunafe, pastries and foremost the Baklava are all part of the patented Ottoman heritage. A sip of the real Turkish coffee prepared in front of visitors is a benchmark for coffee lovers.

Turkey has excelled in film production and the making of historic series conveying the eras of the Sultans. Accordingly, many apparel designs and accessories are fine tuned to such sumptuous look and feel. Some shops offer real crystals and the rare Turkish amethyst and gemstones. Others sell special antique design chandeliers and home accessories revamped with refreshing colors. Not to miss is the Turkish Bath Concept, the art of using natural oils and ingredients for a healthier skin. Despite the variety of products showcased at the Turkish Pavilion, the common denominator remains 'Made in Turkey'.