"Istanbul: One City, A Thousand Perspectives" Exhibition Opens in Paris

The exhibition "Istanbul: One City, A Thousand Perspectives," prepared by the Presidential Communications Directorate, opened in Paris, the capital of France, with a ceremony held at the historic Le Refectoire des Cordeliers.

Curated by miniature and illumination artist Leyla Kara, the exhibition features 29 artists. Works in modern miniature, illumination, painting, watercolor, illustration, tilework and digital art depict Istanbul's landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Maiden's Tower. The exhibition, which has drawn strong interest, can be visited until tomorrow.

Attendees

Turkey's Ambassador to Paris Yunus Demirer, Permanent Representative to the OECD Esen Altuğ, Consul General in Paris Kerem Yılmaz, Presidential Security and Foreign Policy Board member Prof. Dr. Kılıç Buğra Kanat and Bernard Fialaire, head of the French Senate's France-Türkiye Friendship Group, were present. Many art lovers also attended.

Duran's message

A message from Communications Director Burhanettin Duran was read at the ceremony. Duran said a place becomes a city through its squares, streets, buildings and residents, and that Istanbul has endured for centuries with its historical memory. He stressed that there is a new beauty in every corner, from Galata to the Golden Horn, from Sultanahmet to the Bosphorus.

Another thing that makes Istanbul special is that the past can never be completely separated from the present. In this city, history is not something forgotten.

Burhanettin Duran

Duran said it is no coincidence that Istanbul has inspired artists in poetry, literature, music, painting and many other fields, and that the works reflect the artists' own original visions. Calling the exhibition vital for presenting Istanbul's history and cultural heritage in Paris, he expressed hope that the gathering would strengthen cultural dialogue between the two countries.

Remarks by the curator and the senator

Curator Kara said she was delighted to bring two ancient cities together. Noting that the exhibition includes 74 works by 29 artists using different techniques and materials, she thanked those who made it possible and the guests.

I hope you encounter at least one work that embraces your soul. Because we believe in the healing and unifying power of art.

Leyla Kara

Senator Fialaire said dialogue between France and Türkiye is enriched through art. Describing artists as the best interpreters of emotion, he called Istanbul an extraordinary city and said the works help increase warm feelings between the French and Turkish peoples.