Artist inspired by frozen bird builds 1,000 decorative birdhouses in Türkiye’s public spaces

Four years ago, while waiting for a friend in the garden of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, artist Naci Barisan witnessed the tragic sight of a bird freezing to death due to the cold. This heartbreaking moment inspired him to create birdhouses for public spaces, and to date, he has crafted 1,000 wooden and intricately designed birdhouses.

Naci Barisan, the Cultural and Art Coordinator of the Turkish Islamic Arts Department under the General Directorate of Religious Publications at the Presidency of Religious Affairs, has turned this painful event into a lifelong mission. Since witnessing the bird’s death, Barisan has been designing and placing birdhouses in public spaces such as hospitals, nursing homes, parks, prisons, and mosques.

Spreading compassion through art

Barisan, who also founded the “Mercy School” (Merhamet Mektebi), teaches others how to create birdhouses. In an interview with AA, Barisan expressed his passion for crafting aesthetically pleasing birdhouses that speak not only to the eyes but also to the soul.

His works, which are decorated with Ottoman and Anatolian motifs, are designed to have deep symbolic meanings and philosophical backgrounds. Barisan ensures that his birdhouses are not simply adorned with random designs but are thoughtfully crafted with meaningful symbols from past eras.

Bringing beauty and kindness to public spaces

Barisan shared his philosophy behind his work, saying, “I strive to place these birdhouses in places where people seek peace and tranquility. I want to bring small moments of joy, reflection, compassion, kindness, and beauty to people’s lives. I believe I have succeeded, but I still have a long way to go.”

Global vision: One million birdhouses

Barisan’s ultimate goal is to create one million birdhouses and distribute them worldwide. “I recently worked with international theology students from different countries to make birdhouses. These birdhouses were then sent to various countries. I aim to make these young people cultural ambassadors,” Barisan explained. “I believe that just as evil can spread, so can goodness and mercy. These qualities can be taught.”

Barisan emphasized that his work is not driven by material gain. “I dedicate 3 to 4 hours to make each birdhouse. First, the painting process takes place. Once it dries, we proceed with the motifs. After that, we apply varnish to ensure the paints don’t run.”

Teaching mercy and craftsmanship to the next generation

Barisan also shared insights about the workshops held at his “Mercy School.” “We conduct these workshops as part of an educational program. First, we teach children and young people about mercy, and then we guide them through the birdhouse-making process. Together, we create birdhouses and place them in different locations. Recently, we worked with 250 to 300 students in Tokat, and the next week, we will be offering this training to prisoners in Sinop and children in Foster Homes,” he added.

Barisan expressed his joy in uniting people from different professions and faiths to work together toward a common cause. “Meeting people from various walks of life and coming together on a shared mission makes me incredibly happy,” he said.

Naci Barisan’s birdhouses symbolize more than just a place for birds to rest; they represent a message of mercy, beauty, and unity that resonates across different communities worldwide. His journey to make one million birdhouses is not just about art, but about spreading kindness and creating connections.