ISTANBUL: The prize distribution ceremony of the Chughtai Art Awards 2025, held under the theme “Pakistan-Türkiye: Two States, One Nation”, took place in Istanbul today.
The event was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Deputy Governor of Istanbul Mehmet Sulun, Deputy Mayor of Fatih Hasan Durhat, Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Murat Mucahit Yentur, along with officials from the Istanbul Governorship, Pakistan Consulate, Turkish Ministry of Education, students, teachers, and media representatives.
In his remarks, Ambassador Junaid highlighted the exemplary fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, noting that this year’s theme aptly reflected the enduring unity and solidarity of bilateral ties. He praised the creativity of participating students, emphasizing that art is a bridge connecting hearts and deepening people-to-people linkages.
Deputy Governor Sulun reaffirmed the profound historical and cultural bonds between the two countries, stressing the importance of youth engagement and cultural understanding in strengthening brotherly relations.
The first prize went to Ms. Elif Zuheyla Ataysen (Tuzla Mehmet Tekirap Anadolu Lisesi), while Ms. Zeynep Akcan (Sehit Yuzbasi Yusuf Kenan MTL) and Ms. Elda Yildan (Goksel Baktagir GSL) won second and third positions, respectively. Honorable mentions were awarded to Ms. Sara AlMuhammad Ali, Ms. Zehra Asya Keskin, and Ms. Sirda Al Muntaha.
Named after the legendary Pakistani artist Abdul Rahman Chughtai, the awards have been organized annually by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye since 2011, promoting cultural exchange and artistic expression among high school students across the country. Over the years, the competition has been hosted in Ankara, Konya, Bursa, Bitlis, Adana, Izmir, and now Istanbul.
