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The eighth Turkish-Arab Artists Meeting opened at Rami Library, an 18th-century Ottoman barracks restored and reopened as one of Istanbul's largest libraries in 2023, in the city's Eyüp Sultan district.
Themed 'Colors Draw Stories,' the event is organized by the Turkish-Arab Association, Turkish-Arab Art House, Rami Library and Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality.
It aims to strengthen cultural and artistic ties between Türkiye and the Arab world, building on seven previous editions of the gathering.
Paintings, calligraphy and handicrafts from participating artists are on display for visitors throughout the two-day event.
The program also includes artist talks, seminars, cultural presentations, musical performances and meetings between participating artists from different countries.
Turkish-Arab Association Chairman Metin Turan said the meeting brings together culture, art and friendship under one roof.
He described art as a universal bridge that transcends language, religion and nationality, adding that the association aims to further strengthen ties between Türkiye and the Arab world through the gathering.
He said another goal is to build connections with artists who arrived in Türkiye following the Arab Spring, describing the effort as a means of fostering integration.
Rami Library Director Ali Çelik said the gathering carries added meaning given the venue's historic setting.
He said Turks and Arabs are not separate nations but founding elements of Islamic civilization, adding that more initiatives are needed to support communication and friendship between the two peoples.
He said artists carry particular responsibility in that dialogue and that the library will continue offering support to showcase their work.
Turkish illumination artist Zeynep Seyhun, who has worked in traditional Ottoman arts for 21 years, said she was pleased to take part in the event. She is exhibiting a piece titled Kaaba Door Cover.
Seyhun said significant effort went into organizing the program and that the unifying power of art would bring Turkish and Arab communities together over the course of the two-day event.
Tunisian Visual Artists Association Chairwoman Latifa Mohamed Jelassi attended the opening session. Alongside Türkiye, artists from Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, Kuwait, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates and Oman are taking part in this year's meeting, which remains open to visitors for two days.
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