Italian Lawyer Converts to Islam, Marries Turkish Nurse in Traditional Wedding Ceremony

Islamabad: A heartwarming cross-cultural wedding in the historic city of Midyat has drawn attention after an Italian lawyer converted to Islam before marrying a Turkish nurse in a traditional ceremony.

The groom, Tajeddin Ozmen, who is originally from Midyat in southeastern Türkiye’s Mardin Province, works as a nurse at a medical institution in Italy. He met Italian lawyer Tamara Veronica Schreiber during a language course in Italy, where their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship.

Before the wedding, Tamara Veronica Schreiber embraced Islam. The couple then chose to celebrate their marriage in the groom’s hometown of Midyat, following local traditions.

The bride’s mother, siblings, relatives, and friends travelled from Italy to attend the ceremony. Many of them were visiting Midyat for the first time and were impressed by the city’s rich cultural heritage, historic stone architecture, and vibrant tourism.

Speaking about the wedding, the groom said he was delighted to introduce his wife and her family to his hometown and culture after having experienced Italian culture himself. He added that the guests had initially expected Midyat to be a small village but were pleasantly surprised by its beauty and historical significance. According to him, many of the Italian guests expressed a desire to return to the city for a future holiday.

The wedding featured traditional Turkish and Midyat customs, with the bride and groom performing their first dance to the beat of drums before guests joined in the region’s traditional folk dances. Italian guests also participated in the local Halay dance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The celebration included a wedding cake-cutting ceremony and the traditional presentation of gifts, symbolizing the union of not only two individuals but also the coming together of Italian and Turkish cultures in a memorable celebration of love.