Drawing inspiration from the enlightened legacy of the Republic of Türkiye, October Parade (Ekim Geçidi) — Turkey’s most inclusive contemporary art movement — continues its tradition with enthusiasm in its 24th year.
The 24th Ankara Edition of October Parade was inaugurated at ARS Art Gallery, Bilkent Art Street, under the coordination of Av. Yelda Kayhan and curatorship of Zuhal Sedef, with the participation of the movement’s founder, acclaimed painter Gülsün Erbil. The opening drew remarkable attention from Ankara’s art enthusiasts, as works by artists from different generations — spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media — were met with great admiration.
Held simultaneously across Turkey, the 24th edition of October Parade opened its Ankara chapter on Friday, October 31, at ARS Art Gallery. Welcomed with strong public interest, the exhibition presented a compelling example of solidarity and creative freedom in contemporary Turkish art.
A Tradition Where the Republic Meets Art
Established in 1983 and continuously realized since 2001, October Parade stands as one of Turkey’s most enduring cultural movements, supporting artistic production and collaboration among artists across disciplines.
Founder Gülsün Erbil emphasized that each October Parade exhibition “highlights the unifying power of art, once again demonstrating that creative freedom can only take root through the opportunities provided by the Republic.” She further noted that this ongoing process, “where contemporary Turkish art meets universal values and younger generations continue to create with the same conviction, has become more than an exhibition — it has evolved into a cultural memory.”
To date, October Parade has been organized without interruption in 33 cities and districts, bringing together artists from all walks of life — professional and amateur, local and international, urban and rural. Free from commercial or ideological influence, the project reflects the purest forms of creativity and authenticity, functioning not only as a series of exhibitions but also as a platform for artistic education, solidarity, and cultural dialogue that extends from Anatolia to the world.
Ankara Edition: A Meeting of Generations
This year’s Ankara exhibition was meticulously prepared by Project Coordinator Av. Yelda Kayhan and Curator Zuhal Sedef, featuring over a hundred artists across multiple disciplines. Visitors praised the exhibition for its diversity, originality, and emotional depth, recognizing it as a living reflection of the Turkish Republic’s enduring art philosophy.
The exhibition is open to the public from October 31 to November 13, 2025, at ARS Art Gallery, Bilkent Art Street, Ankara.
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About the October Parade Exhibitions
October Parade (Ekim Geçidi) was first conceived by painter Gülsün Erbil in 1983 and has been realized annually since 2001 as a cultural tribute to the Republic, merging art, thought, and civic vision.
Inspired by Atatürk’s principle — “A nation that does not paint, a nation that does not sculpt, a nation that does not fulfill what science requires, must admit that it has no place on the road to progress. Yet our nation, with its true nature, deserves to be civilized and advanced.” — the project reflects a deep respect for the Republic’s ideals and the belief that art is vital to social development.
Since its inception, October Parade has united thousands of artists who see the Republic as the foundation of their existence. The exhibitions, free from commercial and ideological influence, proudly sustain a tradition of artistic freedom and creative solidarity that continues to grow each year.
The 24th Ankara Edition was realized by Project Coordinator Av. Yelda Kayhan and Curator Zuhal Sedef, welcoming visitors from October 31 to November 13, 2025, at ARS Art Gallery, Bilkent Art Street, Ankara.
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Exhibition: October Parade 24 – Ankara Edition
Dates: October 31 – November 13, 2025
Venue: ARS Art Gallery, Bilkent Art Street – Ankara
Founder: Painter Gülsün Erbil
Project Coordinator: Av. Yelda Kayhan
Curator: Zuhal Sede
