To mark the end of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Embassy of Poland in Ankara hosted two art events: a sculpture exhibition titled “Embrace” featuring works by Polish and Turkish artists, and a photo exhibition titled “Shaping the Future Together” organized in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Türkiye.
M. Ferhat YÜKSEL
The exhibition was hosted by Radoslaw Sadowski, Chargé d’Affaires of Poland. The “Embrace” exhibition, held in the embassy’s garden, featured sculptures by Aysel Alver, Robin Çoban, Hilal Küçük, Aykut Öz, Selçuk Yılmaz, and Beata Zalewska. The photo exhibition, “Shaping the Future Together,” displayed along the outer wall of the embassy, showcased EU-supported cultural heritage projects across Türkiye.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH ART
In his opening speech, Sadowski emphasized that both exhibitions demonstrated the strength of bonds formed through art, cooperation, and human connection. He also stated that the event symbolized the official conclusion of Poland’s six-month term holding the EU Presidency.
“We approached this responsibility with determination and a strong sense of purpose,” he said. “Our goal was to create an atmosphere where nature and culture could be embraced together.”
THE PRESERVED BEAUTY OF NATURE
Sadowski said, all twelve sculptures on display were created by Polish and Turkish artists.
“We titled the exhibition ‘Embrace’ because we want our guests to experience the preserved beauty of nature and to connect with it,” he said. “Through these works, we aim to unite nature and culture.”
THE TANGIBLE IMPACT OF COOPERATION
Sadowski also noted that the “Shaping the Future Together” exhibition, consisting of 29 photographs displayed on the embassy’s exterior walls, was prepared in collaboration with the EU Delegation to Türkiye.
“This exhibition reveals the concrete results of EU–Türkiye financial cooperation, which has been ongoing since 2002,” he said.
“Through these photographs, we aim to bring stories of resilience, opportunity, and hope to life. The exhibition highlights real-life projects in education, environmental protection, social cohesion, regional competitiveness, early childhood development, women’s empowerment, and cultural heritage. I hope both exhibitions remind us that cooperation is not an abstract concept. It is real, it is visible, and most importantly, it creates a shared space.”
Sadowski also emphasized that Poland and Türkiye have achieved many successes not only at the institutional level but also through cooperation between their societies.
“We have established partnerships across a wide spectrum — from ancient cities to remote villages, from green energy to cultural heritage,” he said.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Exhibition curator Attila Güllü also emphasized the connection between the artwork and the venue.
“Being here offers us a journey through time,” he said. “You can imagine yourself in Ankara 80 or 90 years ago. While enjoying the beauty of Ankara’s nature, we also wanted to bring a touch of culture to this beautiful garden.”
