Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art

Artworks with Stories. A new cultural project between Sofia and Istanbul kicks off with an exhibition in December.

Enakor Auction House and the Union of Bulgarian Artists, with the support of Sofia’s Oborishte and Sredets districts and the Bulgarian-Turkish Women’s Business Club, present the large-scale cultural project “Sofia–Istanbul: A Bridge of Art. Works with Stories.”

The project is an artistic initiative that connects Sofia and Istanbul through a series of exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and the personal stories of artists of Turkish descent connected to Bulgaria. Among them are painters, sculptors, graphic artists, and designers — some of whom create and live in Bulgaria, while others work in Turkey or between the two countries.

“For me, “Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art” is more than a cultural project; it is a personal dream come true. I grew up surrounded by art and stories that transcend borders and languages. This exhibition is a continuation of my belief that art has the power to connect people and cultures in a way that no other form of communication can. In today’s world of wars and clashes between religions, the only salvation is art, which has no boundaries or political or religious frameworks,” says Yulia Varbanova, founder and manager of Enakor Auction House.

The first exhibition of “Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art” will open its doors on December 4, 2025, in the main hall of the gallery of the Union of Bulgarian Artists at 6 Shipka Street, one of the most prestigious art venues in the capital. Until January 3, the public will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of styles and techniques united by the theme of the connection between the two cities. Until January 3, the public will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of styles and techniques, united by the theme of the connection between the two cities and the bridges between the cultures of the Balkans and Asia Minor.

“The Union of Bulgarian Artists has always supported initiatives that showcase the diversity of the Bulgarian art scene and create opportunities for international cultural exchange. “Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art” is precisely such a project, providing a platform for artists with different life paths and a common academic heritage, connecting them with an audience ready to discover new perspectives,” commented Lyuben Genov, chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Artists.

In 2026, the exhibition will continue its journey to Istanbul, in a gallery in the artistic district of Beyoglu – a space that embodies the cosmopolitan spirit and lively cultural exchange of the metropolis.  At both editions, a trilingual catalog (Bulgarian, Turkish, English) will be available for purchase, presenting the stories and works of the participants.

Of particular interest is the participation of Ziyatin Nuriev, an internationally renowned sculptor who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the National Academy of Arts in May 2025. His white clay sculptures embody philosophical insights in fragments with an exquisite minimalist form, becoming a unique bridge between tradition and contemporary artistic expression.

Among the prominent names in the exhibition is Kamber Kamber, an artist with a long career and a recognizable style. Born in the Rhodope Mountains, he is known for his paintings that capture the beauty of the Rhodope spirit, his reverence for the image of women, his depiction of music, and his dedication to the theme of the cultural heritage of Bulgarian Turks. 

Alongside these, the exhibition will feature works by Keazim Isinov, Ismet Çavuşoğlu, Valentin Asenov-Hakkala, Aynur Kaplan, Pavlina Kopano, Seifetin Şekerov, Behçet Danaj, Ferit Yazıcı, Taner Mert, Joskun Sami, Şenol Podayva, Fahriye Kamber, Mesruh Sabit, Şevket Sünmez, Aykhan Çetin, Burchin Başar, Ertan Alev, Yamur Stankulov, Nurkan Nuf, Shaban Okan, Gulercan Hacıoğlu, and Bedri Karayagmurl, who weave personal stories, cultural memory, and artistic expression into their works in a way that transcends linguistic and national boundaries.

The curators of the project are Yulia Varbanova, manager of Enakor Art Gallery, and Dr. Rositsa Gicheva-Meimari, lecturer at New Bulgarian University. The curatorial concept stems from the shared ethno-cultural history of Bulgaria and Turkey in the context of interactions in the Balkans and Asia Minor. The cities of Sofia and Istanbul are examples of major centers that have brought together the cultures of the peoples who have lived and moved in the region for at least eight millennia to the present day. 

“I am convinced that this wealth of millennial traditions, their blending and intertwining in contemporary global culture, is one of the greatest values we have today—we who live in the common cultural space of the Balkans and Asia Minor. Artists of Bulgarian-Turkish origin embody these intertwined cultural traditions, which we will also see in their works,” says Dr. Rositsa Gicheva-Meimari.

“Our goal is for each work to have its own space to breathe, but also to feel the presence of the others, as in an ancient city where architecture and people coexist. This way, the viewer does not just look, but crosses a visual bridge between Sofia and Istanbul,” shares Petar Mitev, designer of the exhibition.

Each work of art will be available for purchase. Prices will be accessible to both collectors and connoisseurs who are investing in art for the first time. 

“Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art” is a cultural and collectors’ gathering that breaks down barriers between styles, countries, and audiences. Enakor Auction House and the Union of Bulgarian Artists invite you to immerse yourself in art and make it part of your home.

The exhibition is free to enter.

The communication partner for the cultural project is DAO The Agency, whose support helps the messages of “Sofia-Istanbul: Bridge of Art” reach the widest possible audience.