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ROUM UNA CIVILTÀ ETERNA DELL ANIMA DIVINA ISLAMICA

This exhibition presents a unique selection of objects from museums in Turkey and Europe, private collections, arts, crafts, and contemporary technologies, emphasizing Anatolian and Turkish civilization and its continuity. It aims to offer a fresh perspective on the origins of civilization, sacred aesthetics, and the historical role of these cultures in global heritage. The exhibition is designed to travel to major capitals across Europe, Asia, and the US, symbolizing this timeless cultural connection.

The 500-page catalogue, rich with 300 images, offers detailed commentary, translations of Ottoman and Greek Latin texts, and contributions from 10 writers and 10 artists from Europe and Turkey. Three of the texts are directed by Clerici, with introductions from political figures in both Europe and Turkey. Multimedia elements will play a key role in the exhibition, including continuous film loops, video and archival material, and the integration of various mythologies, Islamic, Hellenic, Persian, and other regional influences.

Innovative technology will enhance the exhibit, creating effects like fire and shadow to showcase sculptures and sacred images. Water will be used creatively to highlight colorful mosaics, while light-shadow treatments will emphasize columns, sculptures, and reliefs. The central element of the exhibition will be the Column of Emperor Julian from Ankara, accompanied by architectural reconstructions of Byzantine monuments, temples, statues, and cult objects. Traditional handcrafts will be paired with contemporary technologies, including the art of Karagöz puppetry.

The exhibition will feature objects from across Turkey, including key museums and archaeological sites, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Items from international museums in Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome will complement the Turkish artifacts. The exhibit will also include contemporary artistic interactions, with modern European artists like Dali and Mondrian connecting to mystical and allegorical themes from the past.

The exhibition explores various historical and cultural themes, such as the tombs of heroes from Homeric and Roman poetry, Emperor Trajan's legacy, the Persian influence in Anatolia, the significance of the Euphrates River, the myth of Semiramis, and the role of Anatolia in shaping European thought. It will also delve into Ottoman architecture, the philosophical and literary contributions of key figures, and the relationship between Turkish and European art and literature, including references to Dante, Goethe, and Rumi.

A contemporary focus will highlight Turkey's industrial and artistic evolution, showcasing the continuity of its traditions and technologies. The exhibition's final concept centers on the sacred icon, with a special focus on the Islamic mirhab and calligraphy, representing a convergence of sacred aesthetics across cultures. This will culminate in a spiritual meditation space within the exhibition.

Additionally, the exhibition will feature a film exploring Turkey's natural landscapes, rivers, and seas, as well as a guidebook or atlas for interactive tourism. The experience will be enriched by Ottoman gastronomy and a festival of tulips, complete with performances of traditional Karagöz puppetry.

This event will be a dynamic exploration of Turkey's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern interpretations and inviting a global audience to engage with the continuity of sacred art, mythology, and philosophy.