When invited to be part of the 2nd Edition of the ‘Table Design Exhibition – Celebrate Art & Creativity’ in Istanbul, Frieha Altaf, the CEO of Catwalk Event Design Management & Productions Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, embarked on a remarkable journey to create a table-scape design that celebrated not only Turkey’s rich history but also the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Turkey, rooted in their shared connection with Sufism. In this SEO-friendly article, we delve into Frieha Altaf’s captivating table design concept and the profound message it carried.
A Table of Love and Unity:
For Frieha Altaf, a table represents more than just a piece of furniture – it symbolizes love and unity, serving as a gathering place for people to come together, share meals, and create connections. With her ‘Circle of Love’ table-scape, she aimed to convey the love of the Almighty and for humanity, inspired by the Sufi values of love, humility, and compassion.
The Guest List: “If Rumi Had Guests”:
Intriguingly, Frieha curated an imagined guest list entitled “If Rumi Had Guests.” This list included prominent figures like Maulana Jalal uddin Rumi himself, along with other luminaries such as Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Abdul Sattar Edhi, Orhan Pamuk, Malala Yousufzai, and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. These diverse personalities symbolized a union of cultures and values, reflecting the shared ethos of love, peace, and compassion.
Sufi Inspiration:
The essence of Sufism permeated Frieha’s table design. Artistic representations of dervishes and Sufis, alongside a welcoming bench, a contemporary-antique fountain, and a central sculpture of a dervish, brought the Sufic ambiance to life. The attention to detail and sensory experience created a holistic environment, engaging all five senses and promoting a sense of unity.
Symbolism in Design:
Frieha’s attention to detail extended to the table design itself. White accents represented Turkey’s dervishes, while red details denoted the Sufi malang (saints) of Pakistan. Script-like wall patterns, dervish-shaped napkins, custom tableware, and candles with dervish iconography added depth to the theme. Vines of white chrysanthemums, roses, and lilies completed the artistic representation.
The Message of Love and Unity:
Wearing a blood-red outfit and spinning freely like a dervish or a malang, Frieha Altaf’s personal connection to the Sufi message was evident. During a guest-panel session, she emphasized the urgency of implementing the values of Love, Peace, Unity, Compassion, and Forgiveness extolled by Sufism. Her poignant message was particularly timely in the face of global humanitarian crises, such as the conflict in Gaza and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recognition and Award:
Frieha Altaf’s table design concept and its profound message were received with great enthusiasm. She proudly represented Pakistan and its deep-rooted Sufi connection with Turkey, garnering a special award for her extraordinary contribution to the Table Design Exhibition.
Frieha Altaf’s table-scape design was not merely an artistic endeavor but a heartfelt expression of love, unity, and Sufism. It served as a reminder of the power of these values in times of global turmoil. Her remarkable journey at the Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul showcased the enduring bond between Pakistan and Turkey, rooted in a shared history of Sufism and a commitment to peace and compassion.
Fahad is an entrepreneur and a marketing enthusiast who loves to write on trending topics. He loves travelling & playing tennis is what he does in his leisure time. He tweets @fahad164.
Email:- fahad164@gmail.com , fahad@themediaparadigm.com
