~ “If the world were a single state, Istanbul would have been its capital.” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
On Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, at Sadu House, Deniz Cerinan Al-Ghawas presented a remarkable lecture entitled ‘Secrets from the Sultan’s Harem’ along with a fashion parade of traditional Turkish styled costumes worn for Henna parties today. About a month later, Deniz kindly welcomed people into her home and held a Turkish clothes sale. It was interesting to see all the different designs of embroidery, different styles and techniques used to make these intricate costumes. The costumes were so exotic and pleasing to the eye that I got myself a traditional Turkish style costume to wear during International Week as my class was representing “Turkey”. Both the fashion parade and the Turkish clothes sale brought back warm memories from my trip to Istanbul in April 2011. Turkey is a country that I would return to without hesitation. The cradle of civilisation, filled with so much history, warmth, glory, unique and mystical beauties, Istanbul remains forever one of my favorite cities.
Pictures from my trip to Istanbul in April 2011: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23688823@N08/sets/72157626496836835/
Pictures from the Turkish clothes Fashion show and sale: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23688823@N08/sets/72157628952566269/
I really wish that I could have shared the video I had taken of the presentation of a traditional Turkish henna night but I’ve tried so long and in so many ways to insert that video here but was not able to. Instead, here is a video with the song “Yuksek Yuksek Tepeler” that was playing during the presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzg0G_LnQLw
It’s a song about how the new bride is leaving her home and her family and starting a new life as a bride. The video shows beautiful traditional Turkish costumes. Starting at about 2:20 you can catch a few snapshots to see how the henna night takes place. The bride sits in the middle while her bridesmaids walk around her with candles in their hand and later they place henna on her hands.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Deniz’s glamorous Turkish festive clothes, take a look at her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/%C3%87erinans-Exotic-Turkish-Textiles/197270630306543
Deniz is also the organizer of the Kuwait Bachata Dance Club, which you can find out more about here: http://www.kuwaitbachataclub.com/. You can join various classes such as salsa dance classes, Bollywood dance classes, belly dancing classes, zumba, yoga and pilates!
eternaljoiedevivre 
Hello. I was wondering whether you know where one could buy Hareem Al Sultan costumes as shown in the picture you posted above?
My friend who is Turkish was selling them at the time but I don’t think she is selling them anymore. I have sent her an e-mail asking whether she is still selling or not (you are CC’d in the email).