Sheikha Fatima visits historic Istanbul palace during official trip to Turkey
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, on Friday visited Istanbul's historic Dolmabahce Palace as part of an official three-day trip to Turkey.
Sheikha Fatima, who is also chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, was accompanied by Emine Erdogan, wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
She toured several halls of the palace, which is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and once served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire.
Sheikha Fatima viewed sections of the palace overlooking the Bosphorus, exploring a collection of rare artefacts including works of art and furniture celebrating Islamic culture, state news agency Wam reported.
She arrived in Turkey on Thursday and also attended a fashion show held at the palace.
Ms Erdogan hosted a luncheon in honour of Sheikha Fatima and her accompanying delegation, attended by several prominent Turkish women figures.
Turkey's first lady said the visit represented a significant opportunity to advance co-operation between the two countries in social and humanitarian fields, women's empowerment and child and family support.
Sheikha Fatima expressed her pleasure at visiting Turkey, highlighting the strong bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
Accompanying the Mother of the Nation were sheikhas and ministers, including Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of President Sheikh Mohamed; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Enpowerment; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sana Suhail, Minister of Family; Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Governmental Development and Future; and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State.
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