Turkish nay player Sinem Hondoroğlu performs at the Grand Egyptian Museum
The event, reinforcing cultural ties between Egypt and Turkey through music, was held under the theme “Museums Unite a Divided World." It featured artists from several countries and formed part of broader cultural activities aimed at promoting dialogue through art and heritage.
Hondoroğlu, regarded as one of Turkey’s leading nay performers, has built a career spanning productions with Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT, performances with symphony orchestras, and appearances on international stages. She began her musical training in Ankara, studying Turkish classical music within TRT, where she later contributed to radio programmes on Voice of Türkiye and performed in televised music productions.
Beyond performance, Hondoroğlu is also known for her academic research on integrating the nay into modern orchestral arrangements, positioning her among artists seeking to bridge traditional Turkish music with contemporary interpretations.
As part of her Cairo programme, the musician also performed at the residence of the Turkish ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Şen, during a celebration marking the commemoration of the Atatürk Youth and Sports Day, which falls on 19 May.
Turkish nay player Sinem Hondoroğlu with Turkish ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Hondoroğlu's performances offered audiences an opportunity to experience the refinement of Turkish classical music while underscoring longstanding cultural ties between Egypt and Turkey.
Speaking during her visit, Hondoroğlu said it was her first trip to Cairo despite having previously performed in several Arab countries.
She noted that the Egyptian capital had left a distinct impression on her due to its cultural and historical atmosphere.
Turkish nay player Sinem Hondoroğlu's concert in Cairo marked International Museum Day
Speaking at the event, Turkish ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, pointed out that Hondoroğlu has long been interested in Egyptian culture, conducted studies related to the field, and has been learning Arabic with a particular focus on the Egyptian dialect.
Hondoroğlu also said her connection to Egypt carries a personal dimension, noting that part of her family's origins traces back to the country.
During her stay, she visited the Pyramids of Giza, Khan El Khalili, and El Fishawy Café, describing the café’s historic atmosphere as especially memorable.
She said Cairo was a unique city where history, music, and culture converge, adding that she hopes to return to Egypt in the future.
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