Every month, Istanbul seems to
host 20 different art shows or exhibits.
Unfortunately, we don't take
advantage of these art offerings as often as we should or we would like.
Sometimes an exhibit I had wanted to see will end before I remember to go and
see it.
But yesterday afternoon, we made
it to a new exhibit that opened on the 15th at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts
University's Tophane-i Amire Culture & Arts Center, located by the Tophane
tramway stop. This exhibit, The Colours of Dunhuang - The Magical Door Opening to the
Silk Road, features historical artifacts and paintings from the ancient
Dunhuang Caves in the Gansu province of northern China. It's also the first
time the exhibit, which is noted for its distinctive Buddhist elements, is
being shown in Europe!
We both knew nothing about this
area, but I can tell you after seeing this exhibit, I definitely want to visit
China!
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| This 14-meter Buddha can be found in one of the Dunhuang Caves in China. From the sign: "The Buddha is lying on his right, which is one of the standard sleeping poses of a monk or nun." | | |
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A little background: the ancient Chinese city of Dunhuang was once a major
trade hub on the Silk Road linking the two countries of China and Turkey
together. Precious silk fabrics and ceramics were brought from China back to
Turkey. (I don't recall reading what the Turks traded with them though.)
The exhibit features the famous, sacred
Mogao Caves
near Dunhuang - a total of 812 have been discovered. Starting in the 4th
century, the caves were used as a place of meditation by monks. Later, the
caves became a place of worship and pilgrimage for the public. Family members
or neighbors would pitch in in order to have a cave built for themselves. These
caves were elaborately painted and decorated with intricate statues; and you
can see some of the replications at this exhibit.
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| Built during 705-781 AD, this cave is considered one of the most outstanding caves in all of China. It showcases the Buddhism beliefs, incorporated with the royal architecture. |
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| "The Heavenly King" is a mural found in Mogao Cave no. 15, which dates to 781-845 AD. |
It was interesting to admire the artwork and learn about a new place.
However, some of the ancient artwork was quite morbid and revolved around
violent deaths. Not really my cup of tea!
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| I didn't really understand this one. One such odd painting was "The Hungry Tigress" where the tigress prepares to eat the prince which sacrificed himself to her to save his people. |
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One of the highlights of the day was seeing a traditional Chinese music and
dance performance by traditionally dressed young Chinese women. Through this
Wednesday, you can catch this lively performance at 3 and 6 p.m.
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| Young and old Turks watched as performers played traditional music and danced. |
The Colours of Dunhuang allows you
to travel back in time to an area in China you might not have ever heard of, if
you're like us.
The exhibit is definitely worth
checking out!
The Tophane exhibit is open now
through January 7. Cost is 10 tl for adults; 5 for students.
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| As you exit the Tophane-i Amire Culture & Arts Center, you are greeted with an amazing view of the Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque across the street. |
Meanwhile, Topkapı Palace also is hosting an exhibition called the “Treasures of Ancient China,”
which features 5,000-year-old Chinese relics including four
soldier statues from the world –famous Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses.
The four terra cotta soldiers on display have never been taken out of China. The exhibition is part of the ongoing
Chinese Culture Year in Turkey. This exhibit is open until February 23, 2013.
A little background: the ancient Chinese city of Dunhuang was once a major
trade hub on the Silk Road linking the two countries of China and Turkey
together. Precious silk fabrics and ceramics were brought from China back to
Turkey. (I don't recall reading what the Turks traded with them though.)
6 comments:
Stunning exhibition, Joy, glad you could catch it. Great that Istanbul hosts many good exhibitions, look forward to catching some in Feb!
@Ozlem, happy we saw the exhibit too. Though this one will be gone when you come, I'm sure there will be some other great ones in Feb.!
It looks v interesting indeed, Joy. Hope to go and see it ... thanks for posting.
@Claudia, definitely check it out if you have time! There are so many art exhibits here to see!
That's wonderful and I love the photos. I miss things like this living in this small tourist town :-(
@Kym, I can totally understand! I love being able to have cultural and art experience in any of the big cities that we've lived in or traveled to.
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