Sri Lankan Documentary “Minarets” promotes dialogue and understanding in Türkiye on Sri Lanka diverse cultural heritage

Minarets, a groundbreaking documentary by Sri Lankan filmmaker Nadya Bhimani Perera, was screened to enthusiastic audiences in Türkiye at two special events hosted at Istanbul’s MEF University on 22^nd March and Ankara University on 26^th March.

The Istanbul screening was supported by Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul, Mr. Aydin Özü, and Mr. Eranda Mahagamage, a Sri Lankan PhD student at Istanbul University who played a key role in coordinating the event. He was also responsible for subtitling the documentary in Turkish. Opening remarks were delivered at the Istanbul event by Mr. Aydin Özü and in Ankara by Ms. Nilusha Dilmini, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara.

Both screenings were followed by lively Q&A sessions, during which audience members—students, academics, and members of the public—engaged in thoughtful discussions about the film’s themes of identity, cultural continuity, and religious expression. AT MEF University in Istanbul the insights shared by esteemed Islamic scholar, Prof. Emir Eş and in Ankara by Assocıate Prof. Ayse Ersay Yuksel of the Department of History of Turkish Islamic Arts at Ankara Unıversıty added value to the discussion.

Directed by Nadya Bhimani Perera, Minarets explores the rich musical and devotional traditions of Sri Lanka’s Muslim communities. The film is the result of extensive research and collaboration with academics, religious scholars, and community practitioners from across the island, shedding light on traditions often hidden from mainstream narratives. From Sufi chants and folk songs to wedding rituals and lullabies, the film traverses both the public and private spheres of music in Muslim life, revealing a cultural heritage that is deeply spiritual, diverse, and resilient.

The screenings, held during the sacred month of Ramadan and coinciding with International Women’s Month, created a meaningful space for intercultural dialogue. The presence of Nadya’s voice in this conversation—representing a woman filmmaker, and a non-Muslim, who explores Islamic heritage with care and authenticity was appreciated much by the audience. As an independent researcher and filmmaker, she has dedicated herself to exploring themes of work, culture and social structures through both documentary and fiction formats. The film also addresses the challenges facing these traditions—such as religious reformism, urbanization, and shifting generational norms—while highlighting the efforts of individuals and communities to preserve their practices.

As a non-Muslim and a woman, her perspective is both respectful and deeply human. With a background in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, Nadya has long been interested in documenting the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

The response from the audience expressed an appreciation of how the film – directed by a non-Muslim filmmaker – encompassed extensive research, deep and empathetic engagement with various communities, and a genuine desire to bring to light a cultural tradition that often remains unseen or misunderstood.

Given the interest generated around the film and inquiries by Sri Lankans living in other parts of Türkiye, The Embassy hopes to screen the documentary in several other cities with the support of the Honorary. Consuls.

The screenings in Istanbul and Ankara are part of an ongoing effort to bring Minarets to diverse international audiences and enhance appreciation for the pluralistic cultural identities that shape Sri Lanka.