The “Sonsuzluk Kapıları” (Gates of Eternity) digital art exhibition has breathed new life into traditional Turkish-Islamic tile patterns, setting them against the historic backdrop of Yakutiye Madrasa, a 714-year-old structure from the Ilkhanate era. This exhibition is a standout feature of the Erzurum Culture Road Festival, which is ongoing until August 25, 2024.
The exhibition was developed by artists Hakan Yılmaz and Seyd Ahmet, who were driven by a shared concern for the preservation of Türkiye’s historic tiles. Yılmaz, troubled by the deterioration and neglect of these ancient artworks, sought to preserve their legacy by modernizing their designs and making them relevant to contemporary audiences.
In total, 55 geometric patterns, digitally preserved from landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, are on display. The exhibition also draws from Seljuk and Andalusian influences, transforming these historic patterns into digital formats to captivate a younger generation.
Yılmaz Stated: “We started this work after seeing the damage and neglect that many historic tiles in Türkiye have suffered,” “We photographed these tiles and archived them digitally to preserve their beauty. This is one of the works where I try to modernize traditional Turkish arts.”
He expressed pride in the exhibition’s location at Yakutiye Madrasa, noting, “We are placing these works back where they belong. The historical setting enhances the aesthetic appeal of the artwork.”
Curator İsmail Erdoğan emphasized the exhibition’s distinctive approach, which merges traditional designs with modern digital art. At night, these digital patterns are projected onto the madrasa’s grand portal, reflecting the geometric motifs found within the original structure.
“The portal and the digital art convey the same message,” Erdoğan explained. “We are doing digitally what our ancestors have done for centuries.”
The Erzurum Culture Road Festival features a wide array of activities, including concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. Highlights include the “Besmele-i Şerif” calligraphy exhibition by Albayrak Group and the captivating “Dream on Water: Jerusalem” showcase.
Reported by: Türkiye Today
