Large murals showcasing Hungary’s ancestral history and iconic inventions have been unveiled in Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) announced on Tuesday.
According to the statement, two murals related to Hungarian culture were created as part of the Hungarian–Turkish cultural season. One, located on a cultural centre’s wall in Istanbul, brings to life Marcell Jankovics’s legendary Csodaszarvas (Wondrous Stag) animated film, while in Kocaeli Province another mural now adorns a bridge pillar, illustrating world-renowned Hungarian inventions.
This cultural season was launched to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Hungary and Türkiye, and throughout the year it will offer a diverse range of cultural programmes and projects across both countries. The two murals were designed at the request of this season by the Színes Város (Colourful City) group, noted the ministry.
In Istanbul, a mural titled Csillagösvény (Milky Way Path) graces the wall of a cultural centre, commemorating both the 110th anniversary of Hungarian animation and the work of Marcell Jankovics. Designed by artist Gábor Egyed, the mural embodies the mythical Wondrous Stag, a figure in both Hungarian and Turkish legends. Positioned for optimal visibility from one of Istanbul’s busiest bridges connecting Asia and Europe, the mural symbolizes the unifying of two continents. The creation of the mural took two weeks, the ministry added.
In Kocaeli, Színes Város’s second Turkish work now decorates a bridge pillar with Enikő Váczy’s design celebrating Hungarian innovations.
The ministry’s statement further highlighted the portrayal of famous Hungarian inventions on this dynamic mural, including the electric bulb, ballpoint pen, matchstick, Vitamin C, telephone exchange, and the Ford T-model. The mural reflects the themes of movement, progress, and the unstoppable force of human creativity and innovation. The choice of these themes underscores Hungary’s pivotal role in the scientific domain and sets the tone for the Hungarian-Turkish innovation year, which will launch in January 2025.
The Colourful City movement is inspired by Victor Vasarely’s Colourful City manifesto, which promotes bringing art into the public sphere, rather than confining it to galleries. Since its establishment in 2009, this grassroots initiative has grown into a broader movement, legally pioneering public art in Hungary.
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