Türkiye's first lady joins SCO spouses at Kyrgyz cultural event

Türkiye's first lady Emine Erdogan on Tuesday joined counterparts from Azerbaijan, China and Uzbekistan for a cultural event hosted by Kyrgyz first lady Aigul Japarova in the capital Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The gathering brought together Mehriban Aliyeva of Azerbaijan, Peng Liyuan of China and Ziroat Mirziyoyeva of Uzbekistan for an afternoon dedicated to national heritage and artistic exchange.

The spouses toured the venue ahead of formal summit proceedings involving their husbands, who were attending the main SCO sessions. The cultural programme provided a parallel track of diplomatic engagement focusing on soft power and regional heritage.

Traditional Kyrgyz crafts

The delegation examined an exhibition of traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts including textiles and pottery, with Erdogan later sharing her impressions on social media. "By closely examining each piece shaped by skilled hands, we discovered unique examples reflecting the aesthetics and craftsmanship of Kyrgyz culture," she stated, highlighting the intricate details of the works on display.

The exhibition formed part of a broader presentation of Central Asian artistic traditions curated specifically for the visiting dignitaries, showcasing skills passed down through generations of Kyrgyz artisans.

Musical performances

The programme also featured musical and folk dance performances by Kyrgyz children and young people, which Erdogan praised in her online remarks. The melodies "added a special beauty to our day," she said, adding that the young performers had enriched the diplomatic gathering with their cultural contributions.

The event took place as leaders from SCO member states convened in Bishkek for the two-day summit covering regional security and economic cooperation.