Emine Erdoğan hosts Belgium’s Queen Mathilde in Istanbul

Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan hosted Belgian Queen Mathilde on Sunday at Istanbul’s historic Dolmabahçe Palace, during the Belgian royal’s visit to Türkiye as part of a large economic delegation.

Warm welcome and cultural tour

The two leaders greeted each other with a hug and shared a brief conversation before posing for photographs in front of the palace’s renowned crystal staircase. They then proceeded to the Medhal Hall and toured the “Century-Old Elegance” exhibition, organized by the Maturation Institute, which reinterprets Türkiye’s cultural heritage as a dynamic foundation shaping the future. During the visit, Erdoğan and Mathilde viewed products displayed in the exhibit, including works created on weaving looms that reflect Türkiye’s traditional artistic richness.

Gift of traditional needle lace

Erdoğan presented Mathilde with a handcrafted brooch featuring honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and tulip motifs. The piece was created over one week by instructors from the Maturation Institute using traditional needle lace and embroidery techniques. The two also reviewed garments from the “Anatolia Collection” designed by Turkish fashion designer Özgür Masur at Dolmabahçe Palace. The 100-piece collection was developed after three years of research conducted at women’s institutes across Anatolia, reinterpreting the region’s unique production techniques and fabrics through modern designs.

Strengthening bilateral ties

Following the meeting, Erdoğan wrote on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal: “I was pleased to meet with Queen Mathilde of Belgium in Istanbul during her visit to our country. I hope this valuable meeting will further strengthen our countries’ bonds of friendship.” Belgium’s five-day economic mission to Türkiye, which began on Sunday, is set to conclude on Thursday. Türkiye continues to deepen cultural and economic ties with European partners while preserving and promoting its rich Anatolian heritage.