"Sofia - Istanbul: Bridge of Art"

The International Exhibition “Sofia – Istanbul: Bridge of Art” Opened in Istanbul on 31 July

On 31 July 2026, the prestigious İstiklal Sanat Galerisi in Istanbul hosted the official opening of the international exhibition “Sofia – Istanbul: Bridge of Art” – the latest stage of the international project dedicated to fostering cultural dialogue between Bulgaria and Türkiye.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Sefer Karaahmetoğlu, Acting Mayor of Beyoğlu Municipality (Belediye Başkan Vekili), Georgi Kuzmov, Mayor of Oborishte District, Sofia Municipality, and Julia Varbanova, curator of the project. In their welcoming addresses, they emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation and the role of art as a bridge connecting people and nations.

The exhibition is a natural continuation of the international project “Sofia – Istanbul: Bridge of Art”, which began in December 2025 at the gallery of the Union of Bulgarian Artists in Sofia. Following its successful presentation at the Bulgarian Iron Church St. Stephen in Istanbul, the project now continues with an exhibition at the prestigious İstiklal Sanat Galerisi, located in the heart of the historic Beyoğlu district.

The project’s primary mission is to build a lasting cultural bridge between Sofia and Istanbul through joint exhibitions, artistic exchange, and professional collaboration between Bulgarian and Turkish artists. It promotes contemporary art as a universal language that encourages dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term international partnerships.

The international project is implemented with the support of the Union of Bulgarian Artists, Oborishte District and Sredets District of Sofia Municipality. The project is organized by ENAKOR Auction House.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until 14 August 2026, presenting works by contemporary Bulgarian and Turkish artists and continuing the project’s mission of strengthening cultural exchange and artistic cooperation between the two countries.