Newsletters
The chairman of one of Türkiye's largest conglomerates expressed solidarity with Palestinians during the opening ceremony of a major international art exhibition in Istanbul on Wednesday, marking a rare public political statement at a cultural gathering.
Omer M. Koc, who heads Koc Holding, used his remarks at the 18th Istanbul Biennial launch to condemn what he called Israel's actions against Gaza residents over nearly two years of conflict.
"My heart is with the long-suffering people of Gaza. My prayers and thoughts are with them. I cannot comprehend how some people continue to support and justify this horrific genocide. But truth and justice will ultimately prevail," Koc said during the ceremony at the Rahmi M. Koc Museum.
The comments came as Koc accepted a recognition plaque for his company's sponsorship of the prestigious contemporary art event, which runs through a partnership extending until 2036. Koc Holding has supported the biennial since 2007, representing one of Türkiye's longest-running corporate cultural partnerships.
"Since 2007, we have continued our support for the Istanbul Biennial. We regard this long-term collaboration, which will last until 2036, not merely as a sponsorship but as a companionship in a shared vision and common ideal," Koc said while receiving the plaque.
The Istanbul Biennial, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts with Koc Holding's backing, draws international attention to Türkiye's contemporary art scene. This year's edition, titled "Three-Legged Cat," will unfold across three phases between 2025 and 2027, focusing on themes of resilience and survival amid global challenges.
Bulent Eczacibasi, chairman of the organizing foundation's board, emphasized the biennial's role in shaping Istanbul's cultural landscape over nearly four decades. "For 38 years, the Istanbul Biennial has been shaping our city's cultural and artistic life," he said, noting how the event brings together artists addressing contemporary issues.
The exhibition's director, Kevser Guler, described how this year's works examine "various dimensions of defending life, developing strategies of resistance, and taking responsibility for protecting and caring for one another" within urgent artistic and social contexts.
1 min read
Following preview days for media and professionals through September 19, the first phase will open free to the public from September 20 through November 23 across eight venues in Istanbul's Beyoglu-Karakoy district.
Türkiye, a NATO member, has been among the most vocal critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan frequently condemning Israeli actions and calling for international intervention. The country has also provided humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories while maintaining complex diplomatic relationships in the region.
1 min read
