Bridging Turkish tradition and art with digital world: Hakan Yilmaz

As digital art continues to rise in popularity, traditional Turkish art is finding new life and relevance in the modern age. Calligraphy, marbling, miniature, illumination and tile—all of these historic art forms are taking on new dimensions through digital media.

At the forefront of this movement is Hakan Yilmaz, an artist who seamlessly blends the rich history of Turkish art with cutting-edge digital tools, including artificial intelligence. Through his innovative works, Yilmaz is pioneering a new era where centuries-old traditions meet the future of digital creativity.

Yilmaz’s latest works are featured in the exhibition “From Tradition to the Future,” held at the IBB Digital Experience Center, alongside other notable Turkish digital artists like Gokalp Gonen, Seyd Ahmet and Suleyman Yilmaz. This exhibition is a reflection of how traditional Turkish art forms are being reinterpreted for the digital age. We spoke to Hakan Yilmaz about his journey and vision for the future of digital Turkish arts.

From classical art to digital innovation

Yilmaz’s journey into blending traditional art with digital technology is rooted in his educational background. A graduate of Mimar Sinan University with a degree in art history, Yilmaz studied both European and Turkish art. Reflecting on his academic experience, he noted that Western art, which has roots in the church, often didn’t resonate deeply with him. In contrast, Turkish art holds a special place in his heart.

Initially, like many other digital artists, Yilmaz began his career by mimicking Western art forms. But it wasn’t until he realized the treasure trove of traditional Turkish art at his disposal that he began creating works that would merge the past with the future. One of the defining moments in his career was the creation of his “Gate of Eternity” series, which ultimately made its way to the prestigious Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Turkish arts: A rich foundation for digital transformation

While Türkiye has produced pioneering digital artists, Yilmaz observes that traditional Turkish arts have not yet fully embraced the digital transformation. He believes there is a significant gap between classical Turkish art and digital works being produced today.

“An artist who is not rooted in their own culture cannot take root in any other culture,” he emphasized. He strongly believes that Turkish arts, with their rich and deeply rooted history, offer a unique advantage over Western art forms. The key challenge, he points out, is to make these traditional art forms accessible and relatable to the younger, digital-savvy generation.

Yilmaz is confident that the future will bring a movement where classical Turkish arts evolve within the realm of digital art. “I believe we are on the right path, and little by little, we are seeing results. Classical Turkish arts will soon become a major force within digital art,” he says.

A deep connection with traditional Turkish art

Yilmaz finds inspiration in many traditional Turkish art forms, though he has a particular fondness for Seljuk art, known for its intricate patterns. His fascination also extends to Ottoman miniature art, illumination, and the revival of Ottoman art during the 16th and 17th centuries. For Yılmaz, these traditional art forms are not just historical relics, but active sources of inspiration and creativity in the digital age.

“I don’t distinguish one traditional art form from another,” Yilmaz explains. “Each holds its own unique charm, but the geometrical patterns of Seljuk art, in particular, have influenced my work significantly.”

Traditional art meets digital innovation

One of the striking aspects of Yilmaz’s work is his ability to bring traditional art forms to life in the digital realm. He views traditional Turkish art as particularly well-suited for digital adaptation. “Our arts have always been abstract and conceptual, rather than literal,” he explains. “This abstract quality makes them perfect for digital expression.”

Yilmaz’s “Meka Motif“ series is a prime example of this fusion. In this work, he uses traditional patterns to create mechanical movements within the digital environment, revealing the relationship between traditional art and mathematics.

According to Yilmaz, the foundations of what the world now recognizes as “procedural animation” were already embedded in Turkish arts centuries ago. “I don’t see what I’m doing as anything revolutionary. It was always there; I’m simply bringing it to life with digital tools,” he notes.

Digital reflection of cultural memory

At the “From Tradition to the Future” exhibition, Yilmaz showcases three of his series. The “Gate of Eternity“ series incorporates Turkish tile motifs dating back to the 14th century, while the “Non-traditional II“ series features animated marbling. In this series, traditional marbling techniques are transferred to the digital space and brought to life using artificial intelligence tools. Finally, his “Meka Motif“ series, as described earlier, explores the connection between Turkish art and digital mechanics.

These works, which breathe new life into ancient art forms, are not just a visual feast—they are a reflection of cultural memory, bridging the past with the future in a seamless digital experience.

Positive reactions from traditional masters

One of the most rewarding aspects of Yilmaz’s work has been the reception from the masters of traditional Turkish arts. These masters, who are deeply connected to the history and cultural significance of Turkish art, have recognized the value in Yilmaz’s digital adaptations.

“We must understand the art of the lands we are in and adapt it to the digital environment,” Yilmaz says. He believes that by incorporating elements familiar to art lovers—such as motifs seen in Hagia Sophia or the Green Tomb—digital art can resonate with people in a meaningful way.

To date, Yilmaz has received no negative feedback from traditional artists. Instead, they appreciate the effort to preserve and reinterpret their craft in a modern context. Yilmaz is always eager to listen to the insights of these masters and continuously refine his work.

Future of digital Turkish art

Yilmaz’s work represents a pioneering vision for the future of Turkish arts in the digital world. His innovative approach is not just about technology—it’s about honoring the traditions of Turkish culture and ensuring they remain relevant for future generations.

As digital art continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that Yilmaz’s contributions will inspire many more artists to follow his lead and further explore the intersection of tradition and innovation. Through his work, Yilmaz is not only preserving the beauty of Turkish art but also ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the digital age.