Turkish first lady hosts Uzbek counterpart in Ankara

By Merve Yildizalp

Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan on Thursday hosted Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, the wife of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during an official visit to the capital Ankara.

The two visited several exhibitions at the Nation's Library of the Presidency, starting with the Heritage from the Roots exhibit that showcases traditional handicrafts.

Emine Erdogan presented Mirziyoyeva with handmade items before taking part in traditional Turkish woodblock printing.

The visit continued with a tour of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Exhibition, where they were briefed by the rector of Türkiye’s National Defense University and historian, Erhan Afyoncu.

The Turkish first lady then gifted her guest an Uzbek edition of Sufi poet Mevlana Jalaluddin al-Rumi’s magnum opus, Masnavi.

Mirziyoyeva also presented several Uzbek literary works to the Nation's Library.

Emine Erdogan expressed her pleasure in hosting Mirziyoyeva and thanked her for her valuable contribution while emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor in Istanbul