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A new exhibition at Dolmabahce Art Gallery is combining Ottoman heritage with humanitarian aid.
The “Goodness for Gaza” exhibition, organized by the Turkish Red Crescent and the National Palaces Directorate, will run until Sept. 14.
All proceeds from the sales of the 405 artworks will be directed to people in need in Gaza through the Turkish Red Crescent.
Turkish Red Crescent Deputy Chairman Mustafa Sarilar said the exhibition was not only about art but also about solidarity.
“This exhibition is a beautiful project where compassion and aesthetics come together. Every single work here means bread, water, and hope for Gaza,” he said at the opening.
Sarilar added that the organization is delivering hot meals daily to 21,000 people in Gaza through coordination with the Palestinian Red Crescent. He underlined that aid efforts are difficult due to restrictions on entry. “Each delivery requires special effort. Visiting this exhibition means not only valuing an artwork but also touching a human life,” he said.
The exhibition features calligraphy, imperial edicts, textiles, ceramics, glass, and metal pieces. Curator Meycem Ezengin said the collection was donated by a philanthropist.
“There are about 410 works. Among them are writings by famous calligraphers, imperial documents, textiles, antiques, and figurines. One of the most valuable pieces is a gold-inscribed work by Hasan Celebi. We also have three decrees from Sultan Selim III and one from Sultan Abdulhamid II,” she said.
Ezengin noted that the works are priced below their market value to make the event accessible.
The fundraising effort comes as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate.
According to a BBC report from southern Gaza, Israel has ordered the full evacuation of Gaza City, describing it as Hamas’ last stronghold. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 100,000 people have left the city, but up to 1 million remain, many without the means to relocate.
Residents told the BBC they had been given minutes to flee before strikes and accused Israel of trying to push them south. “Whether you like it or not, Netanyahu, we’re not leaving. Even if we’re buried here, we’re not leaving. This is my land,” said Ammar Sukkar, who lost his home in an airstrike.
Israel says humanitarian zones in the south can provide shelter, food, and water. But aid groups warn that the areas are already overcrowded and lack resources.
The International Committee of the Red Cross called the mass evacuation plan “unfeasible” and “incomprehensible.” The U.N. said more than 1,100 people have been killed while trying to reach aid sites since May.
Israel is setting up new distribution points near Rafah with private U.S. security forces managing access. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said the sites were designed to guarantee “0% looting” and safer aid delivery. However, many Palestinians say designated safe areas have also come under fire.
The art sale in Istanbul comes during the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Organizers of the Dolmabahce exhibition stressed that supporting the event means contributing directly to aid for families struggling to survive in Gaza.
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