Turkish Art in the UK: 7th Annual Community Art Exhibition Opens in London

CreaPost
24/03/2025

Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in London and Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the 7th Annual Turkish Community Art Exhibition officially opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, with a vibrant launch event celebrating Turkish art and creativity in the UK.

Held at the Yunus Emre Institute London, the exhibition will run until 19 April 2025, welcoming visitors on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Since its inception in 2019, this annual exhibition has become a flagship event, offering a platform for Turkish artists of all backgrounds and disciplines. This year’s edition continues the tradition, featuring 49 original artworks by 38 artists, chosen from 110 applications submitted by 55 creators. The selected pieces span a wide range of styles and mediums, from traditional crafts and photography to digital art and contemporary painting.

Curated by a distinguished jury, this year’s panel included:

Dr Mehmet Karakuş, Director of Yunus Emre Institute London
Pınar Koç, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye
Dr Nilay İşlek, Visual Artist
Nagihan Seymour, Contemporary Artist
Ali Haydar Yeşilyurt, Painter and Sculptor

The jury evaluated each submission based on creativity, originality, technical execution, and artistic expression. Each participating artist received a Certificate of Participation during the opening ceremony.

Spotlight on Talent & Culture

Among the artists featured are Abdullah Yusuf (Gyula Bela Lunczner), Alev Jamal, Alisher Ilkhamov, Aylya Ahmedova, Can Efe Özcan, Fatma Inova Kochan, Mine Bayar, Serpil Eryalçın, and Yasemin Öztürk — to name just a few. Their collective contributions reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Turkish identity in the UK.

The exhibition’s opening was attended by a wide range of distinguished guests including:

H.E. Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the UK
Councillor Eddie Hanson, Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Camden
Turan Oğuzhan Gönültaş, Consul of the Republic of Türkiye in London

A warm and welcoming atmosphere was enhanced by Turkish delicacies and refreshments, encouraging informal discussions and deeper cultural engagement between guests.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action

The exhibition underscores the power of art in strengthening bilateral cultural ties between Türkiye and the UK. It also reflects the mission of Yunus Emre Institute, Türkiye’s international cultural organisation, to foster global cultural understanding and connection.

With 92 branches across 68 countries, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü has played a key role in promoting Turkish language, culture, and arts worldwide. Since opening in London in 2010, the Institute has become a pillar of cultural diplomacy in the UK, creating bridges between Turkish and British communities.

Visit the Exhibition

📍 Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
🗓️ Dates: 19 March – 19 April 2025
🕙 Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free & open to the public