Mehmet Altan on the Fading of Art in the Media and the Emphasis on Cultural Heritage
In his article, Mehmet Altan criticizes the decline of art news in the media while drawing attention to international cultural developments such as the European Heritage Days, the Istanbul International Chamber Music Festival, and the historic Bayeux Tapestry exhibited in London.
Stating that art news is gradually fading and being pushed into the background in the media, Mehmet Altan draws attention to the importance of humanity's shared cultural and creative richness. Touching upon various artistic developments in Turkey and around the world, the author emphasizes the place of art in society.
The Orphaning of Art in the Media
The fact that art pages and supplements, which once occupied a large space in newspapers, are fading day by day stands out as one of the most important indicators of changes in the media and society.
Despite the broad segments of society unaware of the creativity passed down from generation to generation, there are still names who know the value of this treasure and quietly struggle to make it known.
European Heritage Days and Istanbul
Within the scope of the European Heritage Days, organized in partnership with the Council of Europe and the European Union, historical and cultural sites are opened for free public visits.
The event and concert held this year in the historic building of the French Palace in Istanbul failed to find the visibility it deserved in the public sphere and did not receive sufficient coverage in the press.
Chamber Music Festival
Organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Cultural Affairs, the 6th Istanbul International Chamber Music Festival hosted world-class artists.
While French cellist Prof. Marc Coppey and his violin virtuoso son Emmanuel Coppey were among the festival's guests, these encounters also failed to create a wide resonance in the press.
The London Exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry
Lent from France to England for two years, the historic Bayeux Tapestry was met with great interest at the British Museum in London.
The record-breaking digital queues on the day exhibition tickets went on sale clearly revealed the intense curiosity about medieval history and art around the world.
Historical Details of the Tapestry
Described as embroidery in curator Michael Lewis's book, the 70-meter-long artwork consists of nine panels woven with woolen yarn in 10 different colors on linen fabric.
Alongside many human and animal figures, historical events of the period are depicted in the work, which is estimated to have been crafted with the labor of multiple women.
A Propaganda Tool Throughout History
Intended to be examined for propaganda purposes during Nazi Germany, the tapestry was subjected to an attempt of seizure by SS officers commissioned by Heinrich Himmler.
Thanks to a tip-off from codebreakers, local resistance fighters and police stepped in and managed to protect and rescue this historical artifact.
The Power of Art and Struggle
Although there are occasional disconnections from the creative richness in the world, the central position of art in human life is clearly seen around international examples.
The author emphasizes the necessity of upholding the universal value of art despite all adversities and difficulties, highlighting resistance.