Turkish digital art exhibition revives centuries-old tiles

A unique digital art exhibition titled “Sonsuzluk Kapilari” (Gates of Eternity) has brought traditional Turkish-Islamic tile patterns to life in the historic Yakutiye Madrasa, a 714-year-old structure built during the Ilkhanate period.

This exhibition is a key feature of the ongoing Erzurum Culture Road Festival, which runs until Aug. 25, 2024.

Artist Hakan Yilmaz, who created the exhibition in collaboration with Seyd Ahmet, began the project out of concern for the preservation of Türkiye’s historic tiles.

“We started this work after seeing the damage and neglect that many historic tiles in Türkiye have suffered,” Yilmaz said. He emphasized his desire to ensure these designs remain relevant in today’s aesthetic world.

The exhibition displays 55 geometric patterns, digitized from historic sites such as Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, Bursa’s Green Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. These patterns, some influenced by Seljuk and Andalusian styles, have been transformed into digital art to capture the interest of younger generations.

“We photographed these tiles and archived them digitally to preserve their beauty. This is one of the works where I try to modernize traditional Turkish arts,” Yilmaz explained.

Yilmaz expressed his satisfaction with exhibiting his work at Yakutiye Madrasa, saying, “We are placing these works back where they belong. The historical setting enhances the aesthetic appeal of the artwork.”

Curator Ismail Erdogan noted that the exhibition is different from typical digital art displays because it blends tradition with modernity. The digital works are projected on either side of the madrasa’s monumental portal at night, where they echo the geometric designs found in the original architecture.

“The portal and the digital art convey the same message,” Erdogan said. “We are doing digitally what our ancestors have done for centuries.”

The Erzurum Culture Road Festival features a wide range of activities, including concerts, exhibitions, and talks. Notable events include the “Besmele-i Serif” calligraphy exhibition by Albayrak Group and “Dream on Water: Jerusalem,” another engaging showcase within the festival.