Turkish Tile Art in New York: Almula İdil Kılıç and the Turkish Women's Association of America in collaboration

Inspired by the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, "You, heroic Turkish woman, are worthy not of crawling on the ground, but of rising on the shoulders," the "Day When Art and Words Unite" event was held at the invitation of the Turkish Women's Association of America, organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in New York.

The event, held at the Turkish House of the Turkish Consulate General in New York from May 9-12, featured Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism tile artist Almula İdil Kılıç, patchwork designer Olcay Seçilmiş, and author Çağla Ural. The opening was attended by Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Ambassador Ahmet Yazal, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in New York; Berna Gürdal, President of the Turkish Women's Union of America; and art lovers from New York. Ambassador Sedat Önal and his wife also visited the exhibition.

In her speech, Almula İdil Kılıç said, “Since 2017, I have been honored with the title of 'Living Heritage Bearer' by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. I strive to practice traditional Turkish tile art, teach it to my students, and share it with art lovers. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Ambassador, Mr. Ahmet Yazal, for his support in exhibiting my works at the Turkish House and promoting this ancient art; to our association president, Ms. Berna Gürdal; to Koç Holding Honorary Chairman Rahmi Koç, who supports my artistic endeavors; and to all the teams.”