Organized in collaboration with Istinye University, Selçuk Ecza Deposu, Bozlu Art Project, and the Istanbul Exlibris Association, the 6th International Exlibris Competition and the 2nd International Exlibris Congress took place at Istinye University’s Vadi H Campus.
The competition brought together 541 artists from 34 countries, who submitted a total of 1,343 exlibris works. Following the evaluation, 15 Awards, 14 Honorable Mentions, and 28 Certificates of Honor were granted. The accompanying exhibition featured 217 original exlibris pieces.
The First Prize of Istinye University was unanimously awarded to renowned Russian artist Mikhail Verkholantsev for the originality and distinctive personal style of his works. The Second Prize, presented by Selçuk Ecza Deposu, went to Bulgarian artist Onnik Karanfilian for his engravings rich in strong line work. The Third Prize, presented by Bozlu Art Project, was awarded to Bulgarian artist Marin Gruev for his exlibris filled with fine details.
In addition, the Istanbul Exlibris Association Young Artist Award was presented to Emre İnan, a promising young artist specializing in printmaking. Special Prizes were awarded to: Igor Baranov (France), Ivo Mosele (Italy), Christine Deboosere (Belgium), Valerio Mezzetti (Italy), Wang Yu (China), Martin R. Baeyens (Belgium), Gennady Vial (Belarus), Elzbieta Radzikowska (Poland), Yulia Protsyshyn (Ukraine), Julieta Virginia Warman (Argentina), Konstantin Kalynovych (Ukraine), among others.
This international exhibition was celebrated as a significant contribution to the world of exlibris, with hopes that it would inspire young artists, foster a wider appreciation of the art form, and help its global dissemination. The exhibition remains open to visitors at Istinye University’s Vadi H Campus until September 22, 2025.
A Meeting Point of Culture and Art
The 2nd International Exlibris Congress hosted over 50 artists from Argentina, Russia, Bulgaria, China, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belgium, and Turkey. Held at Istinye University’s Vadi H Campus, the congress provided a vibrant platform for exlibris exchange, commissions, cultural dialogue, and the strengthening of artistic friendships. As part of the program, participants visited Istanbul’s historical sites, enjoyed a Bosphorus tour, explored the Istanbul Exlibris Museum, and attended a Gala Dinner.
The competition and congress were organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hasip Pektaş, Faculty Member at Istinye University’s Faculty of Communication, President of the Istanbul Exlibris Association, and Director of the Istanbul Exlibris Museum. In his opening remarks, Prof. Pektaş stated:
“We have organized six international competitions and two international congresses, held exlibris exhibitions in 15 cities across Turkey and in eight different countries. We established the Istanbul Exlibris Museum under Selçuk Ecza Deposu, which is one of only ten such museums worldwide. These are achievements our country can be proud of. The inclusion of exlibris as a course in seven universities, including Istinye University, and the completion of 29 graduate theses on this subject are further indicators of the growing interest in this art form.”
“Art Is a Vital Element of Society”
In his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş emphasized the importance of art:
“As we study exlibris, we see that it is more than just a bookplate; it reflects social, cultural, and philosophical perspectives—it is a living art. As a university, we uphold our vision of being not only a center for science and research but also an institution where art is cherished and preserved. We are delighted to share art and culture here with participants from different countries. In the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, to raise generations who are free in thought, knowledge, and conscience, we must value art more than ever.”
Prof. İbiş also expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support:
“A society without art loses one of its vital arteries. We will continue our efforts to support art and artists. In this context, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to M. Sonay Gürgen, Chairman of the Board of Selçuk Ecza Deposu; Dr. Şükrü Bozluolcay, Chairman of the Board of Bozlu Holding; and Adem Elbaşı, Centennial President of our Group, for their invaluable contributions. We are deeply grateful to all artists, academics, guests, and partners who contributed to this success.”
