By: Sainabou Sambou
In a vibrant display of cultural diplomacy, the event “Two Continents, One Runway” unfolded on February 14, 2026, at the Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu, ahead of The Gambia’s official 61st Independence Day on February 18. The fashion showcase united Gambian and Turkish designers, performers, and institutions in a celebration of shared heritage, artistic exchange, and strengthening bilateral relations.
Organized as part of the nation’s independence commemorations, the evening highlighted the rich textile traditions of both countries. Gambian designer Ya Awa Conateh, founder and CEO of Yaws Creations, collaborated with Türkiye’s İzmir Advanced Technical School (Maturation Institute), a historic institution founded in 1945 that preserves traditional crafts and operates across 32 cities in Türkiye.
The program featured stunning runway presentations of bridal wear from both nations, an authentic Turkish henna ceremony, and lively cultural performances, including the traditional Horon folk dance from Türkiye’s Black Sea region. These elements underscored the event’s theme of unity across continents through fashion and the arts.
First Lady of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, delivered a poignant address, describing the occasion as far more than a fashion show. “This is a cultural dialogue,” she said, bringing The Gambia and Türkiye together to celebrate shared heritage and enduring friendship. She drew parallels between the ancient Anatolian textiles—once carried along the Silk Road—and Gambian fabrics, which embody community identity through bold colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted techniques passed down through generations.
“Fashion carries memory and meaning across generations,” the First Lady noted, emphasizing that diplomacy extends beyond formal meetings into the realms of art and culture. She expressed gratitude to the designers, organizers, and participants for their contributions to this meaningful exchange.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Türker Oba, extended warm congratulations to The Gambia on its 61st Independence Anniversary, wishing the nation continued peace and prosperity. He recalled Türkiye’s Ottoman Military Band’s participation the previous year during the 60th celebrations and highlighted this year’s collaboration with the Maturation Institute. “These institutes focus on preserving traditional crafts,” he said, praising Ya Awa Conateh and the Institute for building bridges of friendship between the two countries.
Ya Awa Conateh, whose Yaws brand has become a cornerstone of Gambian fashion since its inception in 2007, called the event a significant cultural milestone. She explained that the initiative emerged from discussions within The Gambia’s creative industry, aiming to elevate local talent and create platforms for visibility. For the first time, she worked extensively with Turkish fabrics such as Meku, Kefi, and Okuman, blending them seamlessly with Gambian-sourced materials.
“Fabric can be conversation. Fashion can build bridges,” Conateh declared, framing the showcase as a powerful statement on fashion’s role in diplomacy.
The evening culminated in a dynamic runway finale that embodied the theme “Two Continents, One Runway,” with models presenting fusion designs that symbolized cross-continental collaboration and unity.
As The Gambia marks 61 years of independence from British rule—achieved on February 18, 1965—the event served as a reminder that cultural exchanges like this foster deeper international bonds, promote the creative sector, and highlight the power of art to transcend borders.
