Ashraf AboArafe
Accompanied by H.E. Mr. Salih Mutlu Şen, the Turkish Ambassador to Egypt, acclaimed Turkish Ney virtuoso Sinem Hondoroğlu enchanted Cairo’s art community in a profound celebration of music and cultural diplomacy. Her performance on May 18 served as a centerpiece for a special event organized by the Grand Egyptian Museum to mark International Museum Day.
Under the poignant theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” the gathering united artists from across the globe. Hondoroğlu, a prominent soloist with the Modern Folklore Music Ensemble under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Fine Arts, captivated the international audience, earning widespread acclaim for her soulful mastery of the ancient reed flute.
A Master of Tradition and Modernity
Hondoroğlu stands out as one of Turkey’s premier female Ney players, boasting a storied career that bridges traditional heritage and contemporary innovation.
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The Foundations: Her musical odyssey began in Ankara, where she mastered Classical Turkish Music within the prestigious Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT).
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The Airwaves: She produced and hosted radio programs for the Voice of Turkey and performed frequently on TRT television broadcasts.
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The Academy: Beyond the stage, Hondoroğlu is a respected researcher who has explored the integration of the traditional Ney into modern orchestral arrangements, beautifully marrying centuries-old heritage with a contemporary musical vision.
Melodies of Harmony at the Embassy
As part of her cultural program in Cairo, the virtuoso also delivered a moving performance at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, hosted alongside Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen to commemorate the May 19 Remembrance of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
The ethereal notes of her Ney, echoing through the historic capital, offered attendees a deeply emotional experience of traditional Turkish melodies while highlighting the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties that bind Turkey and Egypt together.
“Cairo is a unique city where history, music, and culture live as one.”
— Sinem Hondoroğlu
A Deeply Personal Homecoming
Though she has performed across the Arab world, this visit marked Hondoroğlu’s first time on Egyptian soil—an experience she described as profoundly distinct and moving. Her connection to the country runs deep: she has studied Egyptian culture for years, is currently learning Arabic with a focus on the Egyptian dialect, and shares a personal ancestral link to Egypt.
During her stay, she explored the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids, and the historic alleyways of Khan el-Khalili, noting that she was particularly spellbound by the timeless, poetic atmosphere of the legendary El Fishawy Cafe. Entranced by the city’s unique spirit, the artist expressed a deep desire to return, leaving behind an echo of friendship woven through music.
