Painters who come to Edirne from Balkan countries, Germany and Azerbaijan reflect the city’s historical and cultural heritage in their works from different perspectives.
24 painters from North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia and Croatia participating in the International Balkan Painters Edirne Art Meeting are carrying out field and application studies at Trakya University and the historical and cultural venues of Edirne.
Artists depict Mimar Sinan’s masterwork, Selimiye Mosque, from various angles on their canvases placed at different points in Selimiye Square.
Painter Ebru Selman, who comes from the city of Ohrid in North Macedonia, told the AA correspondent that she came to Edirne for the third time as part of the symposium and that she was impressed by the historical texture of the city.
Stating that Edirne has an important place in the Balkans, Selman said, “I am enchanted every time I come. You have a very beautiful city. It is a very strong city in terms of history. As artists from the Balkans, we see the city from different perspectives. I think it will be great to see Edirne with different eyes, especially from the eyes of artists.” he said.
Selman invited art lovers to the exhibition to be held on October 29, Republic Day, and noted that different perspectives create diversity in the works.
Painter Gabriele Schaffartzik, who participated from Germany, stated that the art symposium is important in terms of creating a joint production environment by bringing together artists from different countries.
Stating that his role in the event this year was a great honor for him, Schaffartzik said, “I think such an art symposium is very important. We artists work together and transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Edirne is truly a beautiful and very interesting city. The fact that it has a very old history is a great motivation for artists.” he said.
Azerbaijani painter Turaj Seyidbayli said that he came to Edirne for the first time and that he had previously attended workshops held in different cities of Türkiye.
Stating that they tried to transfer the history and architecture of the city to canvas after seeing it on site, Seyidbayli said that he painted the Selimiye Mosque with the watercolor technique.
Seyidbayli said, “We visited many historical places of Edirne. We are trying to convey the history of the city and its traces extending to the future on our canvases. Edirne is a city that witnessed important historical events during the Ottoman period. Therefore, it is very meaningful to me. The architecture of the Selimiye Mosque also attracted my attention because it is a historical work. I am trying to paint architectural works with watercolor technique by traveling to different countries of the world. That is why I chose Selimiye.” he said.
Stating that he was pleased to take part in the same meeting with artists from the Balkan countries, Seyidbayli noted that he hoped to participate in the event in the coming years.
