From the art of books to Turkish architecture and its influence over the Balkans, from the fashion of sultans in Turkey in the Middle Ages to the comparison between Christian icons and Ottoman miniatures, archaeology and interactions between Italy and Turkey in theater, many themes will be discussed in Naples Wednesday as part of the XV Congress on Turkish Art organized by the Università Orientale and the National Library in Naples. The event takes place under the patronage of the Turkish presidency and tourism and culture ministry, together with the cultural ministry.
Anticipated by an exhibit inaugurated Tuesday at the national library, the congress curated by Professor Michele Bernardini will last three days, bringing to Palazzo Du Mesnil where the Orientale university is based on the beachfront, professors and researchers from Turkey and other European countries. Naples was chosen both in honor of Neapolitan research on Turkish culture, with a long and consolidated tradition, and for the vitality of ongoing studies at the Orientale, as well as for the rich local heritage, which has ancient ties with Turkey and its art.
For example, a painting by Caravaggio for the 'Pio Monte della Misericordia', the institution that set Ottoman slaves free, or the presence of ''Turkish'' figures in Neapolitan nativity scenes.
The dozens of meetings will focus on Turkish arts, starting with architecture, which will have a key role. Turkish archaeological digs will be discussed along with those by international operators in Turkey, cultural and artistic relations between Italy and Turkey, including Italian music with Giuseppe Donizetti and his brother Gaetano who was appointed a pasha at the Ottoman court, or operas dedicated to Ottoman sultans like Mohamed II and Bajazet.
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