Newsletters
A collection of 236 artifacts showcasing Ottoman and Anatolian bridal traditions has opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking the third international stop of an exhibition highlighting Türkiye's traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The exhibition, titled "Bridal Treasures: A Journey Through Ottoman and Anatolian Dowries," is being held at the Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Center under the patronage of Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan, following earlier presentations in New York and St. Petersburg.
Organized using collections from the Maturation Institutes affiliated with Türkiye's Ministry of National Education, the exhibition brings together traditional wedding garments, embroidered textiles, household objects and decorative pieces that reflect the role of women's craftsmanship in preserving cultural traditions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin, UAE Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) President Abdullah Eren, Türkiye's Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Lutfullah Goktas, and other officials and guests.
Divided into nine categories, the exhibition explores the Ottoman and Anatolian dowry tradition, in which families prepare and preserve textiles, clothing and household items for marriage, often passing them down through generations.
The collection includes bridal outfits and accessories, embroidered coverings, woven fabrics, wooden objects, and items associated with coffee ceremonies, traditional Turkish baths and religious practices.
Visitors can also explore examples of regional embroidery techniques, including dival embroidery, Maras-style embroidery, metal-thread wrapping and needle lace, which highlight the craftsmanship traditionally associated with women's handiwork.
Among the objects are gold-thread embroidered coverings used in coffee service and intricately decorated wooden bath clogs, reflecting how decorative arts were incorporated into everyday life.
Floral patterns, including tulips and carnations, appear throughout the collection, illustrating the artistic traditions associated with Ottoman and Anatolian textiles.
Beyond wedding preparations, the exhibition presents the dowry chest tradition as a means of preserving family memories, regional identities, and artistic practices across generations.
The exhibition first opened internationally on Sept. 24, 2024, at the Turkish House in New York during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, where Emine Erdogan introduced Türkiye's dowry traditions to the spouses of participating world leaders.
Its second stop took place on April 30, 2026, at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, where 84 selected artifacts from the Maturation Institutes' museum collections were presented.
The Abu Dhabi exhibition builds on those earlier presentations with an expanded collection of 236 objects, bringing together craftsmanship from different regions of Anatolia.
Through the international exhibition series, organizers aim to raise awareness of Ottoman and Anatolian wedding customs, highlight the contributions of Turkish women to traditional arts, and support the preservation of these practices for future generations.
"Bridal Treasures: A Journey Through Ottoman and Anatolian Dowries" will remain open at the Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Center in Abu Dhabi until Oct. 27, 2026.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
4 min read
