Istanbul – The prestigious Chughtai Art Awards 2025 ceremony was held in Istanbul under the theme “Pakistan–Türkiye: Two States, One Nation.” The competition is named after renowned Pakistani artist Abdur Rahman Chughtai and has been organized annually since 2011 by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye.
The event’s chief guests were Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, and Mehmet Sulun, Deputy Governor of Istanbul. Representatives of the Turkish Ministry of Education, the Deputy Mayor of Fatih Municipality, Turkish officials, and academic personalities also attended.
In his address, Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid said:
“Pakistan and Türkiye’s relations are based on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations. This year’s theme perfectly reflects the unity and solidarity of our ties. Art is a powerful medium that connects hearts, transcends borders, and brings people closer together.”
Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun emphasized:
“Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy historic, cultural, and brotherly relations. Youth participation and cultural harmony are the pillars that further strengthen our ties.”
This year’s first prize was awarded to Elif Zuhayla Atayişin of Tuzla Mehmet Tekiralp Anatolian High School.
The second prize went to Zeynep Akcan (Şehit Yüzbaşı Yusuf Kenan MTL), while the third prize was claimed by Ela Yıldan (Göksel Baktagir Fine Arts High School).
Additionally, Sara Al-Mohammed Ali (Bahattin Yıldız Anatolian High School), Zehra Asya Keskin (Çatalca Fine Arts High School), and Sıra Da Al-Muntaha Araç (Bahattin Yıldız Anatolian High School) received honorary mentions (Mansiyon).
The Chughtai Art Awards have previously been held successfully in Ankara, Konya, Bursa, Bitlis, Adana, and Izmir. This year, Istanbul carried forward the tradition with even greater grandeur, as the artworks of Pakistani and Turkish students highlighted the cultural closeness of the two nations.
The Chughtai Art Awards once again reaffirmed that Pakistan and Türkiye are not just two states, but truly like one nation.
