Timeless beauty of Turkish Islamic art on display in Germany

The Tradition to Future: Turkish Islamic Arts exhibition has opened at the The Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs in Cologne, Germany. The exhibition, organized by Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (DIB) and the Türkiye Diyanet (Religious Affairs) Foundation (TDV), aims to introduce the rich artistic legacy of Turkish Islamic culture to an international audience.

The grand opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting event, followed by a recitation from the Quran, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the exhibition.

A symbol of knowledge, culture, and art

Speaking at the event, DITIB President Muharrem Kuzey highlighted the architectural symbolism of the DITIB Central Mosque. “The two minarets of our mosque are designed in the shape of reed pens used by calligraphers. This is a beautiful representation of how mosques serve as centers of knowledge, culture, and art,” Kuzey stated.

DIB Vice President Professor Huriye Marti emphasized the importance of promoting Islamic culture through art, particularly in a time when Islamophobia is on the rise. “Unfortunately, there are biased individuals who associate Islam with ugliness, violence, and pain, running smear campaigns to escalate Islamophobia, especially in Europe. We categorically reject these narratives and assert that Islam is a religion of peace and beauty. Exhibitions like this play a crucial role in conveying this message,” Marti said.

Art as an expression of faith

TDV Director of Women, Family, and Volunteer Services, Hatice Kahyaoglu, underscored the deep-rooted connection between Islamic art and spirituality. “Throughout Islamic history, art has carried profound meaning, serving as an expression of respect and love. Turkish Islamic art, in particular, is inspired by the Asma al-Husna—the beautiful names of Allah,” she explained.

Türkiye’s Consul General in Cologne, Huseyin Kantem Al, described the DITIB Central Mosque as more than just a place of worship, but also a bridge between traditional and modern Islamic art. “On this journey from tradition to the future, we will all experience the unifying power of art,” he said.

70 masterpieces on display

The exhibition features 70 exquisite works spanning calligraphy (husnuhat), marbling (ebru), illumination (tezhip), and ceramics (cini), offering visitors a glimpse into Türkiye’s artistic heritage.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors have engaged in various cultural activities, including traditional art workshops and expert-led conferences. Marbling artist Ahmet Mahmut Pesteli and calligrapher Ruhan Oz delivered insightful presentations on the evolution of Turkish Islamic arts, enriching attendees with their knowledge and expertise.