An exhibition featuring 85 puppets from 16 different countries has been opened

The opening of the International Puppet Workshop Exhibition, which brings together the most unique examples of puppet art worldwide, took place as part of the 25th International Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Arts Festival. The exhibition features 85 puppets from 16 different countries, brought to life by world-renowned puppet artists. The opening was conducted by Buyukcekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgun.

The World Puppets Exhibition, which includes puppets from the 19th century to the present day, received great interest from art lovers. Cengiz Ozek, the curator of the Puppet Festival, stated that everyone participating in the festival, from young to old, can get to know puppets more closely, and said: “This year, I am in charge of the curation of the Puppet Festival, which is part of the Istanbul Buyukcekmece Culture and Arts Festival. I have been involved in puppet art for 46 years. When people think of puppets, they often think of children first. We need to realize and witness that puppets excite adults too. These festivals drive us to this point. They can evoke this excitement. The festival organized by Buyukcekmece Municipality is a festival that excites people with its different branches and puppets, awakening the exploratory and adventurous feelings and impulses within. We wanted to say ‘Hello’ to our audience this year in the puppet section with 7 groups from 6 different countries. Of course, in addition to the performances, our audience, both adults and children, will also be able to get to know puppets more closely through workshop activities and see the World Puppets Exhibition opened at the Ataturk Cultural Center. There are 85 puppets from 16 different countries.”

Spectacular puppet performances took place after the opening of the International Puppet Workshop Exhibition. Famous puppet artists from Turkey, Ercan Sonmez, famous puppet artist Cheung Chun Fai from Hong Kong, Gianluca Di Matteo from Italy, Toni Zafra from Spain, Dıego Ugalde from Mexico, and Jose Navarro from Peru delivered unforgettable moments to the audience with their spectacular puppet performances. At the end of the night, Buyukcekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgun presented plaques to Puppet Festival Curator Cengiz Ozek and the artists who came from all over the world to promote puppet art at the festival, congratulating each of them individually.