Art has always been a powerful medium to preserve collective memory and transmit national values across generations. In Türkiye, İş Sanat continues to bring this vision to life by curating meaningful exhibitions that travel beyond major cities and into the heart of Anatolia. This year, an exclusive selection from Türkiye İş Bankası’s vast Art Collection will be on display in Afyonkarahisar’s Kocatepe branch, honoring the 103rd anniversary of the Büyük Taarruz, the decisive offensive that shaped the future of the Turkish Republic. The exhibition, aptly titled “Büyük Zafer”, will open its doors to the public on 23–24 August, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with artworks deeply tied to national history and identity.
Art and Memory Intertwined
The Büyük Taarruz, launched at dawn on 26 August 1922 from Kocatepe under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Paşa, marked the turning point of the War of Independence. Commemorating this historic milestone through art creates a unique dialogue between past and present. The exhibition seeks to capture not only the events of that day but also the spirit, resilience, and collective determination of the people. By bringing together portraits of Atatürk and works symbolizing the struggle for independence, the selection resonates with the cultural memory of Türkiye.
Among the featured artists are some of the most distinguished names in Turkish art history. Feyhaman Duran, celebrated as one of the finest portrait masters of the 1914 Generation, brings a refined psychological depth to his works. Ayetullah Sümer contributes his distinctive landscapes imbued with misty and spiritual atmospheres, while Nusret Karaca and Rahmi Pehlivanlı are represented with their iconic Atatürk portraits. Ziya Duru’s depiction of the Ahır Dağı offensive during the War of Independence adds a narrative dimension, and contemporary sculptor Mehmet Aksoy enriches the exhibition with his evocative interpretations. Together, their works form a visual chronicle of resilience and victory.
Expanding Access to Art Across Türkiye
The “Anadolu Exhibitions” initiative has been a groundbreaking project by İş Sanat, aiming to democratize access to art. By transforming İş Bankası branches into temporary cultural venues, the program ensures that artworks of immense aesthetic and historical value can reach diverse communities across the country. This approach dismantles the conventional notion that art must be confined to museums in metropolitan cities and instead makes it part of everyday life in Anatolia.
These exhibitions are not merely about displaying paintings and sculptures. They are designed to create inclusive cultural experiences, supported by expert art historians and educational activities. Special workshops for children provide younger generations with hands-on engagement, cultivating curiosity and appreciation for the arts at an early age. For adults, guided tours and expert talks enrich the viewing experience by contextualizing the works within Türkiye’s artistic and historical narratives.
A Journey Through Previous Exhibitions
The Büyük Zafer exhibition is the latest in a series of thoughtfully curated stops under the Anadolu Exhibitions program. The initiative began in Denizli’s Çal district with a presentation of works by İbrahim Çallı, one of the founding figures of modern Turkish painting. The program then traveled to Milas in Muğla, where the “Teachers and Students” collection featured masterpieces by Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Turan Erol, and Yalçın Gökçebağ. More recently, “In Pursuit of Blue”, a thematic exhibition showcasing seascapes from the İş Bankası Art Collection, was hosted in Gelibolu, allowing local audiences to immerse themselves in maritime scenes that hold both artistic and symbolic meaning.
Each of these exhibitions has contributed to a broader cultural mission: to highlight Türkiye’s artistic heritage while fostering a sense of shared identity and pride. The Büyük Zafer selection continues this journey by uniting art and history in one of the most symbolically charged locations of the War of Independence.
The Significance of Kocatepe
Staging the exhibition at the Kocatepe branch is far from a random choice. Kocatepe was the very place where the Büyük Taarruz began in 1922. By hosting an exhibition in such a historically significant site, İş Sanat reinforces the connection between location, memory, and cultural expression. Visitors will not only view remarkable works of art but also experience them within the geographical context where history was made. This blending of art and place deepens the emotional resonance of the exhibition and provides a powerful educational moment for those unfamiliar with the details of the War of Independence.
Preserving Heritage Through Artistic Expression
Art plays a dual role in society: it is both an aesthetic pursuit and a medium for preserving cultural heritage. Exhibitions like Büyük Zafer serve as bridges between generations, ensuring that critical moments in Türkiye’s history are not only remembered but also continuously reinterpreted through creative lenses. This is particularly vital for younger audiences who may feel detached from century-old events. Through painting, sculpture, and visual storytelling, these historical narratives gain renewed relevance in contemporary life.
Furthermore, the inclusion of both modern and classical artists highlights the continuity of Türkiye’s artistic traditions. From the refined brushstrokes of Feyhaman Duran to the contemporary sculptural language of Mehmet Aksoy, the exhibition demonstrates how different artistic voices can converge to articulate a unified theme of resilience and national pride.
The Role of Institutions in Cultural Accessibility
Türkiye İş Bankası, through its art collection and initiatives, underscores the importance of corporate institutions in cultural preservation and accessibility. Unlike private collections that often remain inaccessible, the bank’s decision to share its works publicly allows communities across Türkiye to encounter and appreciate their artistic heritage firsthand. This approach strengthens cultural literacy while nurturing a sense of ownership and pride in national treasures.
Looking Toward the Future of Anadolu Exhibitions
As the Anadolu Exhibitions program continues to expand, it promises to introduce even more communities to the rich legacy of Turkish art. Each new stop serves as a reminder that cultural heritage belongs to everyone, regardless of geography. By integrating art into local life, İş Sanat fosters cultural inclusivity and strengthens the ties between Türkiye’s past and present.
The Büyük Zafer exhibition is not only a commemoration of a pivotal military victory but also a celebration of artistic expression as a vehicle for remembrance. In a world where history risks being reduced to textbooks and statistics, exhibitions like this ensure that national milestones remain vivid, emotional, and deeply human. For those who attend, it is an invitation to connect with history not through distant accounts but through the expressive language of art.
