Centuries-Old Harp Unites Egypt and Turkey in Captivating Concert

Last month, a captivating concert in Egypt celebrated the harp, one of humanity's oldest instruments, and its deep roots in the musical traditions of both Egypt and Turkey. The event, held on October 5th, brought together two leading harpists: Egypt's Manal Mohie Eldin and her close friend, pioneering Turkish harpist Şirin Pancaroğlu.

Joined by Turkish musician Simin Özdeniz and Egyptian artist Doha El-Garzawy, the performers presented a program largely devoted to Turkish compositions, blending Western refinement with Eastern depth. The concert, set against the backdrop of the Nile, symbolically linked to Istanbul's Bosphorus, drew a diverse, high-profile audience, including diplomats, artists, and cultural figures from both countries.

In his opening remarks, Turkish Ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Şen described the event as a reflection of the "intertwined musical and cultural heritage" between the two nations, noting that musical exchange has a long history, with Turkish Ottoman music influencing Egyptian music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Egyptian music shaping Turkish music during the 1940s to 1960s. The ambassador also announced plans for further artistic collaborations as part of the centennial celebrations.

The concert stood as a cultural bridge, its strings resonating with history, diplomacy, and artistic kinship across the Mediterranean, showcasing the enduring legacy of the harp and the deep connections between Egypt and Turkey.