Ancient Istanbul cistern hosts Yeditepe Biennial

The subterranean cistern in the heart of historic Istanbul is hosting the 2018 Yeditepe Biennial this spring under the auspices of the Presidency of the Turkish Republic.

Anadolu Agency is global communication partner of the Yeditepe Biennial, started on March 31 and lasting through May 15, taking place in the Byzantine-era Binbirdirek Cistern, near Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.

The 45-day biennial is being held in cooperation with Istanbul's Fatih district Municipality and the Classical Turkish Arts Foundation and the support of key Turkish institutions.

Yeditepe Biennial is the world's first biennial in the field of classical Turkish arts, including fabrics and forms from Turkish cultural codes.

The main theme of biennale is Ehl-i Hiref, which means artisans.

Ehl-i Hiref was the Ottoman-era organization that embodied master artisans in all branches of art, from miniaturists to armorers and from illuminators to goldsmiths.

The biennial features five subthemes: Every Aspect of a Flower, Flawless Repetition, About Istanbul, Overflowing from the Place, and Like a Bird.

The biennial will also include international exhibits of miniatures, gilding, hand-carving, paper marbling (ebru), tile art, calligraphy, ceramics, painting, sculpture and photography.