Türkiye’s 3rd Yeditepe Biennale celebrates tradition and modernity in Istanbul
Art festival highlights Turkish heritage and its artistic legacy while fostering international cultural dialogue
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Türkiye launched the 3rd International Yeditepe Biennale in Istanbul on April 18 with a grand opening at Yedikule Fortress, showcasing the dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation in Turkish art.
Held under the auspices of the president of the Republic of Türkiye, the event is organized in collaboration with the Fatih Municipality and the Classical Turkish Arts Foundation.
This year’s theme, “Where There Is Shadow, There Must Be Light,” explores the spiritual and material elements of art through a contemporary lens.
The event opened with a speech by Muhammet Emin Demirkıran, head of the Classical Turkish Arts Foundation.
He emphasized how traditional Turkish art forms such as calligraphy, marbling, and miniature painting continue to evolve while keeping their original essence.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy praised the Biennale’s role in promoting both heritage and innovation.
He said the government is committed to supporting cultural projects that connect Türkiye to the world. Ersoy called the Biennale a key platform for global artistic exchange.
Fatih Mayor Mehmet Ergün Turan also addressed the gathering. He highlighted Istanbul’s cultural richness as a city where East meets West.
Turan expressed pride in hosting the Biennale in one of Türkiye’s most historically significant districts.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered the closing remarks. He underlined the importance of protecting Turkish artistic heritage while supporting creative growth.
Erdoğan urged continued investment in arts and culture and emphasized art’s role in uniting people globally.
The Biennale features artworks at three historic locations: Yedikule Fortress, Sirkeci Train Station Warehouses, and Nuruosmaniye Mosque.
These sites offer a powerful contrast between ancient architecture and modern artistic expression.
Visitors encountered contemporary reinterpretations of traditional methods. Artists used centuries-old techniques to create modern works that reflect Türkiye’s evolving identity.
The result was a dialogue between past and present, shadow and light.
The exhibition was not only visual—it also invited reflection. The chosen theme resonated through both the setting and the artworks.
Each site added depth to the experience, with the historic walls of Yedikule Hisar offering a symbolic space for this cultural journey.
From graphic design to calligraphy, the works demonstrated how Turkish art can adapt and thrive. New voices joined veteran creators in presenting pieces that honored heritage while looking ahead.
Curator Mahta Mohaddes said the exhibition brought together well-known figures in cinema and visual arts.
The poster for this edition was designed by renowned graphic artist Ebrahim Haghighi, who also presented one of his paintings.
By the end of the evening, visitors left with a sense of continuity and transformation. The Yeditepe Biennale stood as more than an art show—it was a cultural milestone for Türkiye.
It confirmed that Turkish art is not only rooted in history but also actively shaping its future on the global stage.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
