Organized for the first time in the world through a joint initiative by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, the International Islamic Arts Fair took place in Ankara at the ATO Congresium from May 7 to 11, 2025. The event offered a unique blend of spirituality and artistic expression.
With nearly 240 local and international artists participating, the fair captivated visitors through works that intricately combined patience-driven craftsmanship with the refined aesthetic of Islamic art. The exhibition served as a rich celebration of cultural heritage and spiritual values.
Ankara—often associated with bureaucracy rather than art—won widespread praise for hosting such a large-scale cultural event, especially among locals.
The fair was officially inaugurated by Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Key attendees included Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Minister of Culture and Tourism Nuri Ersoy, Presidential Chief of Staff Hasan Doğan, numerous diplomats, public officials, and prominent artists.
Political figures also showed strong interest. Saadet Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan, DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan, and many other political party representatives and members of parliament visited the fair.
While weekday attendance was modest, the weekend drew massive crowds, with student groups arriving from across the country, turning the venue into a bustling hub of activity.
Throughout the event, visitors enjoyed a wide array of programs including talks, conferences, hands-on workshops, and live traditional music performances. President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş toured all booths, engaging with artists, examining their works, interacting with attendees, and taking commemorative photos.
As the inaugural edition, the fair established itself as a significant platform for showcasing the universal language of Islamic art, with expectations high for it to become an annual tradition.
Reported by: Diyanet Haber
