Ice sculptures in Türkiye to enchant at Culture Route Festival
Erzurum's works made of ice will meet art lovers at the Culture Route Festival, Türkiye, August 16, 2024 (AA Photo)
Erzurum is gearing up to rediscover Türkiye’s cultural heritage and mythological figures through ice sculptures.
As part of the Culture Route Festival, set to begin on August 17 in Erzurum, over 30 ice sculptures will be on display at the Ata Ice Museum, offering a unique experience for art enthusiasts.
Opened in 2019 under the Faculty of Fine Arts at Ataturk University, Ata Ice Museum holds the distinction of being Türkiye’s only ice museum.
The museum, curated by academics and students, features meticulously crafted sculptures that draw inspiration from Turkish mythology and Erzurum’s cultural heritage. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this special exhibition will present these themes through the captivating transparency of ice.
A tribute to Gaza: “Angel-Winged Child” sculpture
Among noteworthy pieces is the “Angel-Winged Child” sculpture created by graduate student Abdurrahman Datli.
Datli dedicated this piece to the innocent children killed in Gaza, stating, “I designed this sculpture as a response to oppression. I aimed to convey the innocence and purity of the children through the transparency of ice. I wanted to highlight the devastating impact of war on innocent children.”
Turkish mythology brought to life in ice
Another highlight of the exhibition is the section dedicated to significant figures from Turkish mythology.
Prepared by Professor Mustafa Bulat and his students, this section features mythological figures such as lions, tigers, dragons, Sahmeran, and the Seljuk eagle, all reinterpreted through the art of ice sculptures.
Professor Bulat noted, “Ice sculptures offer a unique opportunity to interpret the culture of Anatolia and Erzurum using a transparent and alternative material.”
Cultural heritage reflected in ice
The preparation process for the Erzurum Culture Route Festival took about three months. During the festival, the ice sculptures, enhanced by special lighting systems, aim to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
The “Erzurum Culture Street” exhibition, created by the students and faculty of Ataturk University’s Sculpture Department, will also feature sculptures depicting the city’s architectural landmarks and cultural values.
The Erzurum Culture Route Festival opens its doors to art lovers with this special exhibition, offering a fusion of the artistic power of ice and the transparent reflection of cultural heritage.
