The Scandalous Bellydancer from Outer Space
Özcan Tekgül; an unapologetic woman whose body curved and twisted, shaking and shimmering across not only stages around the world, but also in outer space.
I Left My Heart In the Aegean
Blue Voyage was instigated by some of Turkey’s intellectuals in the 1940’s, and began as a romantic venture into exploring the spectacular and historic coast of Southwest Turkey, along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
You Call It Pomegranate, We Call It Nar
It is estimated that the pomegranate was introduced to our culture about 5000 years ago. Its nutritional, therapeutic and ornamental values, however, have been known to humans since antiquity.
You Call It Artichoke, We Call It Enginar
In this 3-part collaborative project between Hasat and Mother Tongue, we’ll be exploring the connection between Turkey’s culinary and artistic cultures, starting our first chapter with the artichoke.
Love Beyond the Box of Chocolates with Nazım Hikmet
Nazım himself wasn’t always perfect in the department of love, especially in regards to women. But he’s an important figure when it comes to reminding us of the resilience of love.
Adile Nasit
It wasn’t just objects and photographs Adile Nasit had surrounding her, also a close-knit network of people who had one thing in common: promoting arts & culture in Turkey.
It was this common goal that kept her going, even in times of desperation.
Did You Know Santa Is From Turkiye?
Depictions of Nicholas the Saint vary considerably, but none of them look like the red-suited chubby old man we see covered in snow.
In fact, considering where he lived his whole life, Nicholas wouldn’t have even seen snow - ever!!!
Süleyman Saim Tekcan
It was year 1965, artist and scholar Süleyman Saim Tekcan was headhunted for a role in what came to be a masterpiece of Turkish cinema: Sevmek Zamanı (‘Time to Love’).
“Hello friendly humans, hello hello”
… were the actual lyrics of the song 'Invitation to Friendship' voted by the Turkish public to compete in the 1978 Eurovision.
Prison Beadworks
Find out why we see these objects not just as a product of creative expression; but also as an expression of resistance.
Language of Kilims
In Turkiye, the idea that these motifs are derived from ancient symbols, which are used to communicate to the viewer is widely accepted. Some people believe this language to be abstract, while others believe it is even possible to 'read' a Kilim.
Fikret Otyam and Sahmeran
Sahmeran being a highly influential figure in Turkey, especially in Southeastern Anatolia, it is no surprise that Otyam depicted her many times in his paintings.
Barıs Manço and His Kaftan
A true performer, also composed more than 200 songs, writing incredibly in-depth lyrics about every-day subjects such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergine, donkeys and bears, belts, cufflinks and more.
One Hell of a Costume
Of course, Halloween is largely not celebrated in Turkey. Nonetheless, our culture is by no means lacking in creepy costumes.
The Turkish Republic and Murat Palta
“Unlike traditional arts, graphic design is a constantly changing medium, reinventing itself all the time. I try to reflect this in my art even though my work is based in a traditional art form like miniature. I always think: How can I reinvent miniature?“
Füreya Koral
One of the pioneering ceramic artists of Turkey, Fureya had struggled to find a kiln in Istanbul at the beginning of her career in the late 40s.