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“Marching On”, Cam Sergisi, V. M. Sanat Galerisi, Karaçi, Pakistan

These works symbolically represents the banners traditionally used by various denominations on occasions such as celebrations, marches, demonstrations and meetings, these are known as Alem. The dimensions and appearance of these works derive from those pole-mounted percussion instruments used by the Mehter Takımı-Janissary Band of the Ottoman court, a musical institution with a pedigree dating back to the late 13th Century.

The calligraphy in denominational Alems usually show Allah’s name and those of the prophet and the caliph. As well as these, Masallah (God be praised) and calligraphic art play based on symmetry are a general theme of these Alems.

Conceptually and formally these works express messages that reflect Turkish Eastern and Islamic cultures. Here, taking the form and image out of their traditional-cultural roles, an attempt to give contemporary expression to a historical visual theme has been made. The works were created using casting, lampworking and blowing techniques.