Emine Erdoğan: Preserve Our Artistic Heritage
International Islamic Arts Fair Opens in Türkiye
Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, inaugurated the first "International Islamic Arts Fair" held at ATO Congresium in Türkiye. This event marks a significant milestone in promoting Islamic arts on both domestic and international stages.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, the Minister of Family and Social Services; Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Minister of Culture and Tourism; and Ali Erbaş, the President of Religious Affairs. Together, they expressed hopes that the fair would serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange and appreciation of Islamic art.
Following the inaugural remarks, Emine Erdoğan toured several exhibits, including the "Journey to Siyer-i Nebiye with Turkish Islamic Arts," which showcases vital moments from the life of Hz. Muhammad. She also explored a display featuring works by Azerbaijani artists and praised the craftsmanship of female artisans involved in producing woven items.
At the event, AK Party Istanbul Deputy and musician Yücel Arzen Hacıoğulları energized the gathering with a musical performance, emphasizing the fair’s significance in celebrating art, beauty, and cultural heritage.
In her remarks, Emine Erdoğan articulated the profound connection between Islamic art and divinity, referencing a hadith of Hz. Muhammad: "Allah is beautiful and loves beauty." She emphasized that the essence of Islamic art is to reflect the divine, stating, "Whenever we see a work of a refined Muslim heart, it ignites our soul."
Erdoğan also acknowledged the contributions of traditional arts, likening them to the "sky of the realm of feelings." She praised the art of marbling as a unique means to convey dreams, while encouraging the safeguarding of traditional arts against the erosion of time.
Expressing concern over contemporary issues, she noted the need for art to help restore the human spirit in a world marred by climate change and conflict. "We should protect our arts and not let them melt away," she urged, inviting citizens to engage with and preserve Turkish-Islamic traditions.
President Erdoğan’s message, read during the event, highlighted the importance of the fair in elevating the visibility of Islamic arts globally, commending everyone involved in its organization.
The event concluded with a symbolic gift exchange and family photo, reflecting the unity and commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of Islamic art and culture.
