Adana hosts exhibition celebrating Matrakci Nasuh
Historical insights and contemporary art merge at the ‘Matraki: A Star of the Ottoman Era’ exhibition, celebrating the legacy of Matrakci Nasuh during Adana’s annual Orange Blossom Carnival
The revered 16th-century artist Matrakci Nasuh is currently taking center stage at the Adana Museum Complex as part of the Orange Blossom Carnival.
Known as the “Turkish Da Vinci” for his multifaceted contributions to art and science, Nasuh’s legacy is being celebrated in the exhibition “Matraki: A Star of the Ottoman Era,” organized by the Istanbul InterCulture Art Dialogues Association (IKASD) as part of the wider Türkiye Culture Route Festival.
The exhibition features a journey through Nasuh’s works, primarily focusing on his renowned “Beyan-i Menazil-i Sefer-i Irakeyn-i Sultan Suleyman Han,” which details the Ottoman routes during Suleiman the Magnificent’s Iraq campaign.
Curated by Beste Gursu, the display merges traditional arts with modern digital technologies, showcasing interpretations of Nasuh’s cityscapes by artists such as Deniz Erdogan and Goksu Gul.
According to Gursu, the exhibition aims to forge a connection between historical documentation and contemporary artistic expression. “This is a unique project that took a long time to come to fruition, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for providing us with such an opportunity to bring people together,” Gursu explains.
Moreover, the exhibition promises an innovative twist with the premiere of a documentary film titled “Matraki: A Star of the Ottoman Era,” which illuminates Ottoman history and Nasuh’s contributions to it.
The documentary is complemented by various artworks, including a digital miniature of Istanbul, which appeals to both traditional art enthusiasts and modern digital art aficionados.
The Orange Blossom Carnival, celebrating its 12th year with the slogan “April in Adana,” has incorporated the exhibition into its array of over 200 cultural, artistic, and sports events spread throughout the city center.
The carnival not only boosts local and international tourism but also brings together families and children in engaging activities. On April 20, it culminates in a grand parade on Ataturk Avenue featuring festively costumed participants.
The “Matraki: A Star of the Ottoman Era” exhibition encapsulates the spirit of cultural celebration, making it a must-visit destination during the carnival festivities that continue until April 21.
Source: Newsroom
