Figen Yunt is seen alongside some family portraits at her residence in Doha. As the Turkish ambassador’s four-year tenure comes to an end, she leaves behind a long list of successful socio-cultural activities that she pioneered during her stay here.  Photographs: Diana Vincent

By Diana Vincent

Figen Yunt firmly believes that her role in the society goes beyond being the Turkish Ambassador’s spouse. As the Republic of Turkey’s Ambassador to Qatar, Hakkı Emre Yunt’s four-year tenure comes to an end this November, Mrs Yunt leaves behind a long list of successful socio-cultural activities that she has organised during her stay here.
Mrs Yunt exudes confidence. “I know my duty,” she says as we meet at her residence adjacent to the Turkish Embassy. She continues: “Our mission is to represent our country at its best. While my husband handles the political side, I ensure all social programmes are well-organised.” She recollects the numerous events that she has organised in Doha over the years.
One of the popular ones was the Diplomatic Bazaar. This two-day exhibition took place at Katara, The Cultural Village, and attracted a large number of people.  As visitors thronged the stalls representing each country, Mrs Yunt, who was instrumental in setting up the outlet for Turkey, was overwhelmed by the response she received.
She ensured that the uniqueness of her country and the talent of its citizens were meticulously showcased. Clothes, accessories, carpets ... made in Turkey caught the attention of the visitors.
Mrs Yunt added that the special Turkish delicacies that were prepared for the event was one of the main attractions. “I had the support of many people in our community who went out of their way to help me in this event,” she said.
Her concern lies more in the fact that she was able to showcase and promote the culture of her country to the residents of Qatar. The fruition of this fund-raising event encouraged her for more charity works.
Mrs Yunt has also organised fashion shows, including a show exclusively to display the latest designs in abayas. The revenue from all the programmes has been given away for charity. Two years ago, it was one such fashion show that facilitated her to contribute to the flood victims of Pakistan.
She has also given her best to aid the cancer support group in Qatar, under the patronage of Sheikha Leena bint Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani. To raise funds for this cause, Mrs Yunt had put together an event to explore the Turkish cuisine, as her personal cook conducted classes and shared sought-after recipes. She also hosted a cultural tour of Turkish art in Katara.
Mrs Yunt is also instrumental in propelling the Turkish Women’s Association (TWA) in Qatar. The group, which was formed in 2005, aims to propagate the country’s rich culture and tradition while bringing together the Turkish women in Doha. Mrs Yunt smiles at the progress this group has made: “When this association started, there were only 30 members. Today, it has grown to include 170 members.”
The members meet at least once a month. They exchange information that could be of use to their community and also host entertainment programmes for their children. The group also has plans in the pipeline for exhibitions and performing arts to be held at the Katara.
“There are currently about 8,000 people from Turkey living in Qatar,” informed Mrs Yunt and she is excited to break a good news to them. “A Turkish school will start functioning in Doha next year,” she said. After almost four years of ground work, she is glad the school finally got all the approvals required.
This school will not only impart education to its students, but also inculcate in them the traditions and values. As these students are away from their native land, Turkish language will be taught with priority while also including other foreign languages. “We’ve had so many people contributing generously for this school and I’m grateful to all of them,” she said.
Mrs Yunt takes pleasure at the similarity between the cultures of Qatar and Turkey. “Both communities have high regard for family values,” she says.
A close-knit community that spends quality time with family well describes both of them. Both countries being Islamic and Arab-speaking, have its nationals enjoying each other’s companionship. And due to all these similarities, Turkey has also seen a major influx of tourists from Qatar in the recent past.
“People love our traditional artefacts, fabrics, jewellery  etc and many people visit Turkey to shop all that,” she says. These items were popularised through the many exhibitions she has hosted in Doha.
Mrs Yunt said that the Turkish cuisine has gained in popularity and is loved by people from all over the world. Turkey amalgamates the traditions of an Islamic country and the modernism of European countries. This sui generis combination seems to be the major attraction of tourists to the country. The pleasant weather also prompts “many travellers to opt for a transit in Turkey for a few days, before they reach their destination,” Mrs Yunt says, adding: “some of them have started choosing Turkey over visiting Western countries since it is also cost-effective.”
The country’s proximity to Qatar proves to be advantageous. “The Turkish Airlines has also brought out several appealing packages to promote tourism in Turkey,” she adds.
One interesting medium, through which Turkey earned demand for its authentic materials, Mrs. Yunt says, is through “a popular television serial named Haremi Sultan. The series, which is based on a true story set in 16th century Turkey, showcases the clothes, accessories and everything in a Turkish household that enticed the audience in seeking out to buying them.”
Many Turkish companies participated in the Gift Exhibition in Doha held twice a year in the months of January and July. The number of participant companies has also increased from five to 25 as demand for original Turkish products has risen steadily.
On August 30, the Turkish embassy in Doha will witness a milestone as its very first Military Atheshey (Diplomat) will begin his work.
The Military Diplomat will strengthen the relations with the Qatari armed forces. The Turkey’s National Day celebrations on October 29 will also extend to the Turkish embassy here as it hosts two grand receptions on that day.
Though Mrs Yunt is deeply saddened about the current political unrest in Turkey, she is optimistic about the future. “The present situation is difficult for everyone. But I hope and pray that better days will prevail soon,” she says.
Meanwhile, she advises the Turkish community in Qatar to continue to stay united. “Don’t be shy,” she urges, “go out and serve the community.”
During her almost four years of stay in Qatar, Mrs Yunt has shown that by example, as she explored the countless possibilities of social service and has set a high benchmark to be followed.



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