The festival showcased rare and unique artworks that are on the verge of being forgotten
The “World Embroiders with Art” International Embroidery Workshop, one of the key highlights of the 25th International Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival, and the “Hands Producing with Love” International Handicrafts Exhibition were inaugurated.
As part of the festival, the “World’s Largest Chess Collection Exhibition” and the International Intelligence and Skill (World Games) Workshop were also opened.
The opening ceremony of these exhibitions at Buyukcekmece Culture Park was attended by Buyukcekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgün, Catalca Mayor Erhan Güzel, CHP 24th Term Deputy Süleyman Çelebi, municipal council members, vice mayors, advisors, department heads, NGOs, village heads, and art ambassadors from 75 countries.
“There is an incredible study about the lives of people in the past.”
International Handicrafts Exhibition, where 136 artisans from 21 countries participated, President Akgün, who visited the exhibition stands one by one, emphasized the importance of rare works from past to present, stating: “Today, the 25th International Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival opened its doors at Kurşunluhan in Buyukcekmece, which is the Caravanserai built by Mimar Sinan. We invite the people of Istanbul to come and enjoy the arts, and witness this cultural celebration here. This year, the Handicrafts Exhibition features incredibly rich cultural activities. There is an incredible study about the lives of people in the past that we have not seen before. If you want to see utensils, clothing, or other materials made and used 200, 300, 500 years ago, or even 1000 years ago, and if you want to remember our past, you can especially admire these riches at the 25th International Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival. This is the handicrafts section of the International 25th Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival. Approximately 40 or 50 countries participate in the Handicrafts Workshop. Participation in the festival was limited to 75 countries this year, but it has exceeded 80. We are sharing an important cultural wealth. I invite everyone to come to Buyukcekmece to attend the festival events and witness our cultural richness. I invite everyone to the Buyukcekmece Mimar Sinan Bridge on the evening of July 29th. The official opening ceremony of the International 25th Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival will start exactly at 20:00. You will also see other treasures at the same time.”
“Organizing festivals like this is necessary for contributing to culture and art.”
The 25th International Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival, where art ambassadors from all around the world participate, features a wide array of handicrafts including chess, carpet weaving, filigree, marbling, embroidery, glass painting, leatherwork, copper craftsmanship, ceramics, wicker weaving, metalwork, wooden toys, miniature art, tile and lathe turning, patchwork, woodblock printing, lace-making, and many other handmade, unique works.
‘’The World’s Largest Chess Collection
As part of the International Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Art Festival, the ‘’World’s Largest Chess Collection’’, consisting of 746 pieces collected from 117 countries worldwide by Collector Akın Gökyay, was exhibited. The exhibition took place at Büyükçekmece Kültürpark Museum, and the ceremony included the participation of Akın Gökyay’s son, Günay Gökyay.
