The Yeditepe Biennial opens its doors this year with the theme "Witness: Reflections in the Mirror of Existence", placing the most ancient consciousness at the very core of our traditional arts. By virtue of their physical existence, human beings are witnesses to the era, geography, and culture they inhabit; yet through their metaphysical depth, they are also witnesses to their own inner awakening and ultimate truth. It is exactly at the intersection of these two dimensions that witnessing begins.

Amidst the speed and noise of the modern world, today’s artists practicing our classical arts maintain a timeless record of witnessing. Through the enduring strength of traditional techniques, they invite the audience to partake in this aesthetic and spiritual exploration. Our ancient arts, each a reflection of the divine aesthetic in the universe, will gather at the biennial this time in a grand assembly of witnessing where both artist and viewer participate together. This assembly revives that shared witness carved into stone, paper, and time by bringing human inner journeys and the spirit of the space together in the same mirror.

We extend our profound gratitude to our Honorable President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for patronizing this international organization, which stands as a symbol of our national art policy and cultural power. We also express our thanks to the Fatih Municipality and its esteemed Mayor, Mr. M. Ergün Turan, and to all the artists who leave their mark on time with their works.

Muhammed Emin Demirkan

President of the Classical Turkish Arts Foundation