Annual Traditional Arts Exhibition of Bahariye Workshops Opens in Istanbul

Opening of the Exhibition in a Spiritual and Historic Setting The year-end exhibition of students from the "Bahariye Art Workshops" (Bahariye Sanat Atölyeleri), operating under the Human and Civilization Movement (İMH), opened on June 15, 2026, in Istanbul. This artistic event is held at the Semahane Exhibition Hall within the historic "Bahariye Mevlevihane" [1]. The opening ceremony featured various programs, including a live music performance by qanun student Esma Alp and a documentary film chronicling the students' artistic journey and the production process within the workshops.

During the ceremony, attended by numerous cultural and artistic figures, Meryem Güney, head of the İMH Art Unit and instructor of the art of "Kat’ı" (traditional paper cutting), welcomed guests and presented graduation certificates to the students. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of sustaining traditional arts in the modern world [2].

Diversity of Works and Honoring Authentic Islamic Arts Approximately 100 artworks, the result of a year of effort by students across various courses, are on display. These works are categorized into the primary branches of civilizational arts, including "Husn-i Hat" (Calligraphy), "Tezhip" (Illumination), "Miniature," and "Kat’ı" [1].

One of the prominent sections of the exhibition features Kat’ı art. According to Meryem Güney, students in this section created about 30 delicate and eye-catching works using techniques from the 14th to 18th centuries, demonstrating the high precision and patience of the young artists [1]. These works not only possess visual beauty but also establish a deep connection between the new generation and the artistic heritage of the Ottoman and Seljuk eras [3].

The Mission of Young Artists in Preserving Cultural Heritage Meryem Güney told Anadolu Agency that the students at this center have undertaken a very important mission. She emphasized: "Our students prepared for this exhibition with great dedication. Our goal is to carry our traditional arts into the future, and these young people are the ambassadors of our civilization on this path" [1].

Following a hiatus in recent years for various reasons, the exhibition returned this year with greater splendor, providing an opportunity for emerging artists to present their work to the public in a professional and historic environment [2].

Visiting Details and Schedule The Bahariye Art Workshops year-end exhibition began on June 14 and will continue for 10 days until June 24, 2026. Interested visitors can view this exquisite collection daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Bahariye Mansion located in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul [2]. Entry is open to the general public, and art experts are present at the venue to provide explanations regarding the techniques used in the works.