Art as Diplomacy: “iki Aşa” Exhibition Builds New Cultural Bridges Between Türkiye and Nigeria

In a compelling demonstration of cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, the “iki Aşa Two Cultures, One Vision” exhibition has opened in Abuja, positioning art as a strategic bridge between Türkiye and Nigeria.

The initiative was realized through a partnership between the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, led by Ayomide Adeagbo. The collaboration reflects a growing commitment to strengthening bilateral cultural engagement through the arts.

The opening ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, alongside diplomats, government representatives, artists, and members of the creative economy underscoring the expanding cultural cooperation between both nations.

Featuring works by Prof. Dr. Tuna Akçay from Türkiye and Nigerian photographers Sope Adelaja and Anigbogu Ozioma Uche, the exhibition merges aesthetic memory, cultural heritage, and contemporary artistic expression on a shared platform.

Organisers described the showcase as more than a gallery event characterising it as a living cultural dialogue where the colours, rhythms, and creative identities of two distinct geographies converge into a unified vision. The project reflects an evolving relationship that extends beyond formal diplomacy into shared storytelling and artistic innovation.

Special recognition was extended to Adefunke Oni, Global Ambassador (Nigeria) of the African Tourism Board, for her instrumental role in facilitating cross-institutional engagement that supported the collaboration. Appreciation was also conveyed to Mr. Fatih Erkin Mahdum, Director of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre Abuja, and the organising team for their contributions to the successful launch.

As the exhibition continues over the next 15 days, stakeholders note that it signals a new chapter in Türkiye Nigeria relations one driven by creativity, mutual respect, and the unifying power of art that now speaks from Abuja to the world.