Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Türkiye, Fahad bin Assaad Abu al-Nasr, and his wife, Rana Abdullah Bahamdan—chair of the Ankara Asia-Pacific Group—hosted a cultural event called “Tea Journey in Asia and the Pacific” on Wednesday to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21.
Saudi Ambassador Fahad bin Assaad Abu al-Nasr and his wife Rana Abdullah Bahamdan, chair of the Ankara Asia-Pacific Group, welcomed guests including Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gumrukcu and other diplomats.
Bahamdan described the event as a joyful celebration of culture, heritage, and friendship through tea. She highlighted how tea carries unique stories and rituals in each country and stands as a symbol of hospitality, healing, and community.
Among the countries participating, Azerbaijan showcased its tea culture through a national pavilion where visitors experienced authentic tea rituals and traditional brewing methods. This was part of a larger program including tea demonstrations, cultural performances, and workshops.
The cultural event featured participation from 21 countries across Asia and the Pacific region.
Each nation set up a tea pavilion, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic tea rituals, traditional brewing techniques, and time-honored flavors.
The program also included live tea brewing demonstrations, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses' Solidarity Association (DMEDD) President Simay Gumrukcu noted that tea is the world’s second most consumed drink after water and that every nation has its own distinct tea culture. She emphasized tea’s social importance, saying it’s often the start of meaningful conversations and a symbol of comfort and well-being.
The event underlined tea as a common language linking cultures and communities across Asia and the Pacific, making International Tea Day a true celebration of heritage and friendship.
Read next
07:00
Even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C — the goal set by nearly 200 countries — rising seas will still pose a major threat to coastal communities for centuries, scientists say.
05:00
A new report from the International Energy Agency warns that most critical minerals for clean energy are now controlled by a few countries, especially China, risking supply disruptions and higher prices globally.
03:25
A Vietnamese court has sentenced 23 officials and businesspeople for illegally exploiting and exporting rare earths from a northern mine, in a case the court called "especially serious."
03:15
Hundreds of roof tiles fell from the Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui province, China, narrowly missing visitors.
03:00
The bitter public feud between tech giants Elon Musk and Bill Gates has escalated, as Gates blames Musk for cutting off aid to vulnerable populations—while Musk counters by questioning Gates’ moral authority over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment