Contemporary Istanbul 2025 celebrates 20th anniversary with 51 galleries, US focus, and Golden Horn Light Festival.
Celebrating its 20th year, Contemporary Istanbul takes place at Tersane Istanbul, an Ottoman shipyard dating back to the 15th century. The 2025 edition features 51 galleries from 16 nations, showcasing both Turkish and international artists. Highlights include Melis Buyruk's ceramic sculptures at Leila Heller gallery, Melih Çebi's unique assemblage at PİLOT Gallery, and underglaze paintings by Ertuğrul Güngör and Faruk Ertekin at Anna Laudel. The Sigg Art Foundation presents its collection, featuring Monia ben Hamouda's 'Blindness, Blossom and Desertification XI (2024)'. This year's Focus section spotlights New York's cultural impact, reflecting founder Ali Güreli's emphasis on the American market. The inaugural Golden Horn Light Festival is planned for late September or early October 2026. Contemporary Istanbul 2025 continues until 28 September.
Key facts
- Contemporary Istanbul celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025
- The fair takes place at Tersane Istanbul, a fifteenth-century Ottoman shipyard
- 51 galleries from 16 countries participate in the 2025 edition
- The Focus section highlights New York and American cultural influence
- The Sigg Art Foundation reveals its private collection publicly in Istanbul for the first time
- The inaugural Golden Horn Light Festival is announced for late September/early October 2026
- Founder and chairperson Ali Güreli cites America's dominant art market and institutional leadership
- The fair runs until 28 September 2025
Entities
Artists
- Melis Buyruk
- Melih Çebi
- Ertuğrul Güngör
- Faruk Ertekin
- Monia ben Hamouda
Institutions
- Contemporary Istanbul
- Leila Heller gallery
- PİLOT Gallery
- Anna Laudel
- Sigg Art Foundation
- Canvas
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- New York
- United States