Opening of “Sofia–Istanbul: A Bridge of Art. Works with Stories.”

Art has the power to connect people and cultures in a way that no other form of communication can. “Sofia – Istanbul: A Bridge of Art. Works with Stories by Bulgarian-Turkish Artists” is a cultural and collectors encounter that removes boundaries between styles, countries, and audiences, said Lyuben Genov, chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (UBA), at the opening of the exhibition. The cultural project is arranged in the UBA gallery on 6 Shipka Street in Sofia.

“We can only rejoice and welcome every initiative like this exhibition, which appreciates the potential of art,” Genov added.

The exhibition presents works by 24 artists of Turkish origin who have a connection with Bulgaria. Set designer Petar Mitev is the designer of the exhibition space. The curators are Yulia Varbanova, manager of Auction House “Enakor,” and Dr. Rositsa Gicheva-Meimari, lecturer at New Bulgarian University. Varbanova said that at the end of June 2026 the exhibition will be displayed in Istanbul, at the “Istiklal” gallery, and before that it will be shown at the Iron Church “St. Stephen.”

“Art is the language we all speak, regardless of religion, political views, or nationality,” Varbanova told BTA. “These are artists, some of whom live only 500 km from Sofia, others live in Bulgaria, but such a large-scale exhibition is being shown for the first time,” she continued.

“Through art and the stories of the creators, we achieve the best connection between our two cities, which are linked in many other ways,” said Traicho Traikov, mayor of the “Sredets” district in Sofia.

“Paintings are windows into the souls and into the epochs of the people who created them,” said Georgi Kuzmov, mayor of the “Oborishte” district, at the opening. “I am glad that this bridge steps in Sofia and will then step in Istanbul,” he added.

“This exhibition demonstrates not only the individual talents of our artists, but also the friendship between Turkey and Bulgaria,” noted Mehmet Sait Uyanik, Ambassador of Turkey to Bulgaria. “As ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Sofia, I believe in the unifying power of culture and art and attach great importance to cultural projects,” he added.

“The material from which the ‘Sofia – Istanbul’ bridge in this hall is built turns diversity into a path for development,” said Dr. Rositsa Gicheva-Meimari in her speech, read by Yulia Varbanova. Gicheva-Meymari was not present in person at the exhibition opening.

The exhibition can be viewed until January 3, 2026.

Text: BTA