The International Sculpture Symposium started in Büyükçekmece!

As part of the International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, the annual International Sculpture Symposium has commenced with the participation of sculptors from 8 countries.

Due to the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the symposium will showcase artworks with themes of independence, freedom, and democracy. The creative direction of the symposium is led by Nurettin Bektaş, the Head of the Sculpture Department at Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts.

Artworks themed around independence, freedom, and democracy.

For the 24th time, the International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, which has been honored 8 times in a row with the “World’s Best Culture – Art Festival” award by the World Festivals Union, is opening its doors. As part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the festival will take place from July 26th to August 5th, with the participation of 1550 cultural and art ambassadors from 100 countries. Hosting numerous international workshops and competitions, one of the most significant events of the International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival is the International Sculpture Symposium. Participating artists from Spain, Iran, Germany, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Estonia, Poland, and Turkey will shape their works during this symposium. At the end of the festival, the marble blocks sculpted by the artists, who have completed their pieces, will be exhibited in various locations throughout the Büyükçekmece district, in harmony with the aesthetics of the city.

“We will create work in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic.”

Nurettin Bektaş, the Creator of the International Sculpture Symposium, expressed that in light of the 100th anniversary of the Republic, themes of independence, freedom, and democracy have been chosen. He explained: “I am the Head of the Sculpture Department at Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. I have taken on the role of creator to organize the International Sculpture Symposium, jointly hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Büyükçekmece Municipality. What we are going to do here today is a thematic work in line with the 100th anniversary of the Republic. With a theme centered around independence, freedom, and democracy, we will create nine sculptures in this symposium with the participation of seven international and two Turkish artists. I believe that something significant is being accomplished here. I consider this festival to be one of the very successful festivals that has been held for such a long time in the world.”

“The festival is excellent.”

Sculptors participating in the International Sculpture Symposium shared their thoughts about the festival and their artworks:

İmdat Avcı: “I’m participating in the 24th Büyükçekmece Festival from Istanbul. I’m here with a sculpture project that references the 100th anniversary of the Republic. I hope this festival, held every year, brings health, happiness, and peace to people.”

Butrint Morina: “I’m from Kosovo. Büyükçekmece is a very friendly place. We’ve enjoyed our first days here a lot. First and foremost, we are very happy to be part of this festival dedicated to the anniversary of the Turkish Republic. These are the early days, and everything seems well-organized. I hope we continue to enjoy it until the end.”

Roland Höft: “I come from Germany, and I am a professional sculptor and artist. It’s a fantastic place with a lot of sea, good stone, and good people. The festival has just started, but we are working in a beautiful location. The stones are excellent, the food is good, and I’m meeting many good friends. The festival is excellent.”