Skip to main content

Why Turkey’s 'naked art' needs protection

Stuck between censorious local authorities and vandals ready to smash what they do not like, statues of nudes are quietly being removed from public spaces.
Man_Under_Cardigan.jpg

ISTANBUL — The narrow path surrounded by trees leading to the Abdulmecid Efendi Kiosk lends an air of calm and serenity on a gray autumn day in Istanbul, making it hard to believe that the estate had been the scene of vandalism in prior weeks. “Doors Open To Those Who Knock,” a contemporary art exhibition at the 19th-century pavilion, was attacked by vandals set on destroying artwork. The episodes took place after a social media campaign to remove “obscene statues” from the estate house once owned by the last Ottoman caliphate, Abdulmecid Efendi, who was also a painter whose works included a painting with nudes in a courtyard.

“The exhibition [sponsored by] Koc Holding at the house of the caliphate should stop. … This is a disgrace under the name of art,” tweeted Nilhan Osmanoglu, a descendant of the Ottoman dynasty and poster girl for the Ottomania of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). According to conservative media, the exhibition shows “disrespect for the caliphate and believers.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.