Istanbul (TDI): The prize distribution ceremony of the Chugtai Art Awards 2025, organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye under the theme “Pakistan-Türkiye: Two States, One Nation,” was held in Istanbul. This prestigious event not only celebrated the artistic talents of young Turkish high school students but also underscored the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual support.
The ceremony was graced by Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid as the chief guest, alongside Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun. It was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Deputy Mayor of Fatih Hasan Durhat, Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Murat Mucahit Yentur, officials from the Istanbul Governorship and Pakistan Consulate, representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Education, students, teachers, and media representatives.
Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid highlighted the exemplary fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, forged on shared values, common aspirations, and unwavering mutual respect. He emphasized that the theme “Two States, One Nation” perfectly encapsulates the enduring spirit of unity and solidarity that has defined bilateral ties for decades.
Commending the participating students for their exceptional creativity and dedication, the Ambassador noted that art acts as a profound bridge, connecting hearts across borders and fostering stronger people-to-people linkages between the two brotherly nations. This year’s event, he added, exemplifies how cultural initiatives like these nurture the next generation’s appreciation for our intertwined heritage.
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Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun, in his address, reaffirmed the profound historical, cultural, and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye. He stressed that promoting cultural understanding and encouraging youth engagement are vital to consolidating these exemplary relations, ensuring that the legacy of brotherhood endures for future generations.
The awards recognized outstanding artworks submitted by high school students from across Istanbul, focusing on themes that highlight the shared identity and aspirations of the two nations. The first prize was awarded to Elif Zuheyla Ataysen of Tuzla Mehmet Tekirap Anadolu Lisesi. Securing the second and third positions were Zeynep Akcan from Sehit Yuzbasi Yusuf Kenan MTAL and Ms. Elda Yildan from Goksel Baktagir GSL, respectively.
Additionally, Honorable Mentions were bestowed upon Ms. Sara AlMuhammad Ali from Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi, Zehra Asya Keskin from Catalca Fen Lisesi, and Sirda Al Muntaha from Aurach Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi. The winners received certificates, trophies, and special gifts symbolizing the cultural exchange between the two countries, with their artworks displayed in an exhibition that drew admiration from attendees.
Chugtai Art Awards
Named after the legendary Pakistani artist Abdul Rahman Chughtai (1897–1975), the awards honor his pioneering contributions to modern South Asian art. Born in Lahore, Chughtai developed a unique “Chughtai Style” that blended Mughal miniature traditions, Persian influences, Islamic calligraphy, Art Nouveau, and Orientalist elements.
Renowned for intricate watercolor portraits and illustrations drawn from Indo-Islamic folklore, Punjabi legends, and Mughal history, he is celebrated as Pakistan’s national artist and the first significant modern Muslim artist from South Asia. His accolades include the Khan Bahadur title from the British Empire in 1934, Pakistan’s Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 1960, and the Pride of Performance Award in 1958.
Chughtai’s works, including designs for Pakistan’s postage stamps and the PTV logo, grace collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Museum, and National Art Gallery in Islamabad.
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Initiated by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye in 2011 in collaboration with Turkey’s Ministry of National Education, the Chugtai Art Awards promote cultural exchange and artistic expression among Turkish high school students.
The competition has been hosted annually in various provinces, starting with Ankara (2011–2012), followed by Konya, Bursa, Bitlis (2019), Adana (2022—under the theme ’75 Years of Pakistan-Türkiye Diplomatic Relations’), Izmir, and now Istanbul in 2025. Over the years, it has engaged thousands of students, fostering creativity on themes like “Landmarks of Pakistan” and bilateral brotherhood, thereby strengthening educational and cultural.
This edition in Istanbul marks a milestone, expanding the awards’ reach to Türkiye’s cultural capital and aligning with ongoing efforts to deepen youth-focused collaborations. As Ambassador Junaid remarked, such initiatives not only celebrate artistic talent but also reinforce the unbreakable Pakistan-Türkiye partnership, a bond exemplified by historical mutual support—from Türkiye’s advocacy for Kashmir to Pakistan’s solidarity with Turkish Cypriots.
The event concluded with a cultural reception featuring Pakistani and Turkish refreshments, further symbolizing the theme of unity.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
