The exhibition “İki Áşá– Two Cultures, One Vision” was held at the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre in Abuja, bringing together artistic voices from Türkiye and Nigeria in a vibrant display of cultural ties and merging diverse artistic perspectives under a shared vision.

The exhibition was organised by the Abuja Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre, which is coordinated by Fatih Erkin Mahdum, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and in partnership with Ayomide Adeagbo.

The showcase featured selected works by Prof. Dr. Tuna Akçay from Türkiye and Nigerian photographers Sope Adelaya and Anigbogu Ozioma Uche. Through their lenses, the artists presented striking visual narratives — from iconic landscapes of Türkiye’s diverse regions to Nigeria’s cultural events and natural beauties — reflecting the aesthetic memory and cultural heritage of both nations.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Abuja, Mehmet Poroy, officially opened the exhibition by cutting the ribbon, alongside representatives from diplomatic and cultural institutions.

The event also provided a platform for participating artists to reflect on the significance of the collaboration.

Photographer Sope Adelaya described the exhibition as a deeply meaningful opportunity. He said the Turkish cultural centre provides an important platform for artists from different backgrounds to come together, view works from both Turkish and Nigerian cultures, and connect with the stories behind them.

“Art builds bridges where words sometimes cannot, strengthening cultural ties and deepening the relationship between Türkiye and Nigeria,” Adelaya told TRT Afrika.

He added that having his works exhibited at the Yunus Emre Institute meant a great deal to him, as he has always been passionate about creating meaningful impact through his art.

The exhibition, he noted, was not merely about displaying artworks, but about “sharing stories, emotions and lived experiences with a wider audience,” creating a space where the two cultures can better understand and appreciate one another.

The name “İki Áşá” reflects a fusion of Yoruba and Turkish linguistic elements, symbolising two cultures coming together under one shared vision.

Since opening its first overseas office in 2009, the Yunus Emre Institute has expanded to 92 centres in 68 countries, promoting Türkiye’s language, arts and culture worldwide.

Through language courses, exhibitions and educational initiatives, it fosters dialogue and cultural exchange, strengthening long-term ties between Türkiye and communities across Africa and beyond.