İlber Ortaylı on the Universality of Art

Art is not merely the narrative of a specific era or geography. In this special episode with renowned historian İlber Ortaylı, we explore how art resonates across 3,000 years, transcending time and space as a universal form of expression. We delve into how art, beyond cultural identities, becomes a shared language of humanity, leaving its mark across disciplines—from visual arts to music.

Ortaylı offers a sharp perspective on Turkey’s artistic heritage, the gaps in art collecting, and the challenges in preserving cultural assets. From Ancient Rome to the Ottoman Empire, from the Hellenistic period to contemporary Turkey, he examines the impact of art and aesthetics on society, shedding light on critical issues such as museum practices and art collections.

Is art simply an aesthetic creation, or is it a mode of existence shaped by human historical consciousness? Is the politicization of art a choice, or is it an inevitable reality? A thought-provoking discussion spanning centuries…

Special thanks to Pera Palace Hotel.