A unique digital art exhibition titled “Sonsuzluk Kapilari” (Gates of Eternity) has brought traditional Turkish-Islamic tile patterns to life in the historic Yakutiye Madrasa, a 714-year-old building dating back to the Ilkhanite period.
This exhibition is a central element of the ongoing Erzurum Culture Road Festival, which runs until August 25, 2024.
Artist Hakan Yilmaz, who created the exhibition in collaboration with Seyd Ahmet, began the project out of concern for the preservation of Turkey’s historical tiles.
“We started this work after seeing how many historical tiles in Turkey were damaged and neglected,” said Yilmaz, emphasizing his desire to ensure that these designs remain relevant in today’s aesthetic world.
The exhibition features 55 geometric patterns digitized from historical sites such as Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, Green Mosque in Bursa and Hagia Sophia. These patterns, some of which are influenced by Seljuk and Andalusian styles, have been transformed into digital art to attract the interest of younger generations.
“We photographed these tiles and digitally archived them to preserve their beauty. This is one of the works with which I try to modernize traditional Turkish art,” Yilmaz explained.
Yilmaz expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition of his works at the Yakutiye Madrasa and said: “We are bringing these works back where they belong. The historical setting enhances the aesthetic impact of the artworks.”
Curator Ismail Erdogan pointed out that the exhibition is different from typical digital art exhibitions because it combines tradition and modernity. The digital works will be projected at night on both sides of the monumental portal of the madrasa, where they will reflect the geometric patterns of the original architecture.
“The portal and digital art convey the same message,” Erdogan said. “We are doing digitally what our ancestors have done for centuries.”
The Erzurum Culture Road Festival offers a wide range of activities including concerts, exhibitions and lectures. Notable events include the Albayrak Group’s calligraphy exhibition “Besmele-i Serif” and “Dream on Water: Jerusalem”, another exciting exhibition within the festival.
