´Sepharad - Traces of a Multicultural Heritage´ Exhibition in Frankfurt

Over 70 artworks by 30 Turkish Sephardic artists are being presented in the 'Sepharad - Traces of a Multicultural Heritage' Exhibition. Among the artists participating in the exhibition realized under the auspices of the Consulate General of Turkey in Frankfurt are Habib Gerez, one of the doyens of contemporary painting, writer, poet, and Izzet Keribar, the famous photography artist, and owner of the Turkish Presidency Culture and Art Award.

The exhibition, while providing the people of Frankfurt with a unique opportunity to engage in the worlds of these artists and discover their works, also sheds light on Sephardic art and culture and the lengthy history of its integration with Turkish culture.

The Turkish Jewish Community has a long and rich history in the lands of the Ottoman Empire. Hundreds of thousands of Jews who had been expelled from Spain by the Spanish monarchy in 1492, came to the Ottoman Empire during Sultan Bayezid II's reign. For more than 531 years the Sephardic people embraced the Ottoman and Turkish culture without forgetting their Spanish roots. Thus this case was reflected in the Sephardic art and culture.

Yunus Emre Institute is also cooperating with the Museum of Turkish Jews in Istanbul to display the valuable artworks of Sephardic artists, in protecting and exhibiting 'The Blood Libel Firman' dated 1866 written by Sultan Abdulaziz, the Tax Exemption Firman given to Buda Jews dated 1526, and the Ketubah with Star and Crescent of 1916 and many other valuables.

The 'Sepharad - Traces of a Multicultural Heritage' exhibition, which will continue until June 14th, is displaying the beauty and the diversity of art while expressing the importance of integrating people of different pasts and cultures.

In her speech the curator of the exhibition Terry Katalan said, "The exhibition showcases the Turkish Sephardic Jews' integration with the Turkish culture. By bringing together the artworks based on the rich cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire and Sephardic culture with art lovers, this time in Frankfurt, we wanted to show that diverse groups can live together in brotherhood. I am forever grateful to Berlin Yunus Emre Institute, our valuable Sephardic artists, and all the collaborating institutions."

The Quincentennial Museum of Turkish Jews Manager Nisya Işman Allovi, expressing that they were very pleased that the exhibition held earlier in London, Amsterdam, and Sevilla together with the Yunus Emre Institute, was this time meeting the art lovers in Frankfurt, thanked all the individuals and institutions who had contributed.

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