The Sadakat Exhibition, which opened its doors at the Dolmabahçe Art Gallery, created a powerful space of expression that speaks to the conscience of humanity through the universal language of art. Organized in collaboration with the Turkey Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), Ibn Haldun University, the Palestine Foundation, Albaraka Türk, and the Directorate of National Palaces, the exhibition was not just an art event but also a call to conscience, a declaration of truth, and a stance of loyalty.
09 May 2025
A Support from TÜRGEV That Touches Art and Conscience
TÜRGEV Board Chair Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz attended the exhibition, which was also supported by Ibn Haldun University as a stakeholder. TÜRGEV’s wide impact—from education to social responsibility, from youth development to the arts—became visible once again through this exhibition. Sadakat resonated not only as an exhibition theme but also as the essence of TÜRGEV’s long-standing relationship with young people.
A Silent Yet Profound Step Through Art for the Palestinian People
The Sadakat Exhibition aimed to narrate the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine through the elegant language of traditional Islamic arts such as calligraphy, illumination, miniature, and marbling. As curator Meryem Veli stated, this exhibition emerged as an answer to the question, “What can we do with words, art, and prayer?”
“Loyalty means standing by the virtuous no matter the circumstances, bearing witness to them, and sharing in that goodness.”
Each piece in the exhibition reflected not only technical mastery but also faith, resilience, and a state of prayer. Through this exhibition, art embarked on a journey extending from aesthetics to responsibility, from form to meaning.
A Reinterpretation of Traditional Arts for Palestine
The Sadakat Exhibition demonstrated that art is not merely about formal beauty but must integrate intention, message, and the truth it represents. Based on Imam Ghazali’s saying, “Loyalty is the name of submitting and standing by the truth,” the exhibition brought together traditional arts with today’s harsh realities.
Every motif carried a prayer, every line bore a mark of loyalty. The exhibition became a rare example in art history of how small but genuine steps combined with art can make a difference.
Artworks Seen Not Only with Eyes but Also with the Heart
The participating artists were leading figures in their fields: Ferhat Kurlu, İsmail Hakkı Gurbetçi, Mustafa Cemil Efe, Nilüfer Kurfeyz, Zeynep Tuğ, Sadrettin Özçimi, and many more. Each reproduced the resistance of the Palestinian people as the silent cry of art.
A short film shown at the exhibition opening and the subsequent speeches reminded once again that art is the language not only of the past but also of the present and future.
Meaningful Contribution from Ibn Haldun University
In his speech at the opening, Ibn Haldun University Rector Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan emphasized that the occupation in Palestine is not only a physical destruction but also a humanitarian and moral devastation. Highlighting the university’s support for Gaza from the beginning, Arkan said, “Artists expressed what we narrate with words through their works,” expressing this solidarity.
Real Support for the Palestinian People: All Proceeds Will Be Donated
Sadakat Exhibition is not just an awareness campaign but also a concrete aid movement. All proceeds from the sale of the exhibited works will be donated to the Palestinian people through the Palestine Foundation. The key held by Palestine Foundation General Manager Hemed Abdülkerim during the opening ceremony was one of the strongest symbols of this exhibition:
“These keys are the keys to our homes. We emigrated from there, but somehow took them with us in the hope of returning.”
With this statement, it became clear that the exhibition points not only to the past but also to the future, hope, and belief in return.
Sadakat: The Voice of the Silent, the Conscience of Art
The greatest power of art is that sometimes a look, a motif, or a line can speak more than a scream. The Sadakat Exhibition achieved exactly this: it reminded us of loyalty, patience, freedom, and responsibility through art.
The exhibition can be visited at the Dolmabahçe Art Gallery until May 17. It is an unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to meet with art, humanity, and conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sadakat Exhibition
What is the Sadakat Exhibition?
Sadakat is a thematic exhibition using traditional Islamic arts to draw attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.
Where is the Sadakat Exhibition?
The exhibition is open at the Dolmabahçe Art Gallery until May 17.
What is the purpose of the Sadakat Exhibition?
To support the struggle of the Palestinian people through art, raise awareness, and provide concrete aid with the proceeds.
What kinds of art are exhibited?
Selected examples of traditional Islamic arts such as calligraphy, illumination, miniature, and marbling are on display.
Where do the proceeds go?
All proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Palestinian people through the Palestine Foundation.
Sadakat is not only a loyalty to the past but also a way of standing by justice, hope, and humanity. This exhibition is a silent but profound testimony. Now is the time to bear witness.
