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The 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul opened its doors this week at Tersane Istanbul, bringing together 579 artists and 931 works from 16 countries. The international fair, which runs until Sept. 28, has become one of Türkiye’s most prominent cultural gatherings, drawing museum directors, collectors, diplomats, and leading figures from the global art world.
Speaking at the opening, Contemporary Istanbul’s Chairman Ali Gureli recalled his visit to Art Basel more than two decades ago, which inspired him to establish an international art fair in Istanbul. At that time, he said, there were only about 20 art fairs worldwide, while today the number exceeds 300.
He described Contemporary Istanbul as a platform that has helped turn the city into a dynamic cultural capital, connecting collectors, galleries, artists, and students. He emphasized that the fair has grown beyond being a marketplace, becoming a bridge between cultures, ideas, and people.
Suzan Sabanci, chair of Akbank—which has been the main sponsor for the entire 20 years—highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting the fair. She noted that Istanbul has increasingly become a meeting point for contemporary art that pushes boundaries.
Through Akbank’s support, she said, different perspectives and cultures have been brought together, showcasing what she called “the unifying and transformative power of art.”
The opening ceremony also featured remarks by Fettah Tamince, chairman of Tersane Istanbul, alongside a performance of SpaceTime Helix, a light and sound installation by Italian artist Michela Pelusio. The evening concluded with a concert by Turkish singer Gaye Su Akyol.
Visitors are being treated to a range of special displays. Akbank Sanat is presenting the world premiere of a curated selection of oil paintings by Greek-Italian artist Jannis Kounellis, organized by Hasan Bulent Kahraman.
Borusan Otomotiv, distributor of BMW in Türkiye, has brought together for the first time in the country Alexander Calder’s 1975 Art Car with the most recent edition designed by Julie Mehretu, marking the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Car Collection.
Tersane Istanbul has also commissioned four large-scale installations that merge the historic setting of the Golden Horn with contemporary art. Works by Arcangelo Sassolino, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Jorinde Voigt, and Summer Wheat are on display at Beymen G8-The Space and Aliee Istanbul.
To mark the 20th anniversary, the fair is offering free boat transport from Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas, and Kadikoy piers to Tersane Istanbul, allowing wider access to the event’s waterfront venue.
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