Runway event in Banjul highlights Türkiye–Gambia ties

As part of celebrations marking The Gambia’s 61st Independence Day, which is held on February 18, the Turkish Embassy in Banjul hosted a vibrant cultural evening in Banjul, bringing together fashion, heritage, and diplomacy under the theme “Two Continents, One Runway".

The colourful event blended Turkish and Gambian traditions through a fashion showcase celebrating cooperation and shared cultural expression, reflecting Gambia as a nation with a rich history of resilience and culture.

Among guests at the event were First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow and the spouse of the Vice President, Mariam Darling Jallow.

One of the highlights of the evening was a display of 21 traditional wedding dresses from seven regions of Türkiye, presented through the work of the Izmir Maturation Institute.

Elegant bridal designs

These were showcased alongside elegant Gambian bridal designs, while collaborative creations—Turkish designers using Gambian fabrics and Gambian designers working with Turkish textiles—drew enthusiastic applause from guests.

Speaking at the event, Bah-Barrow described the show as more than fashion, saying it fostered cultural dialogue linking the ancient textures carried along the Silk Road through Anatolia with the vibrant patterns that reflect Gambian identity. She added that diplomacy thrives not only in official meetings but also through art and culture.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Fahri Türker Oba, said the event aimed to highlight Gambian creativity while showcasing what both nations can achieve through partnership.

Celebrated annually on February 18, Independence Day in The Gambia marks the moment the West African nation gained full sovereignty from the United Kingdom in 1965.

Across the country—often fondly called the Smiling Coast of Africa—Independence Day festivities remain a time of pride, reflection, and lively national festivities.