Ömer Koç's statement about the magnificent exhibition in London: 'It bears witness to the timelessness of Istanbul'

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Koç Group continues its international vision in the field of culture and arts with an important project. The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London, one of the world's leading museum groups, hosts the exhibition "From Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires" prepared in cooperation with Koç Holding.

The exhibition, which will be opened to visitors on November 7 and will last until May 9, 2027, will be opened by the Republic of Turkey. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was enriched with works lent by museums and organizations affiliated to the ministry and the Presidency of National Palaces.

1600 YEARS OF HISTORY IS TOLD IN FOUR CHAPTER

M.S. Covering a wide historical range from 330 to 1922, the exhibition consists of four main sections. More than 200 works are presented to visitors, ranging from silks to ceramics, from mosaics to manuscripts and paintings.

Among the most striking pieces of the exhibition are the portrait of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, painted by the Venetian artist Gentile Bellini in 1479 and borrowed from the National Gallery in London, and the portrait of Mehmed II from the Topkapi Palace Collection. There is a 16th century zerbaft woven caftan belonging to Selim. In addition, 6th century mosaics from the Great Palace of the Byzantine emperors are exhibited outside Istanbul for the first time since the excavations carried out in 1935. Ottoman women's clothes selected from the Sadberk Hanım Museum and Yapı Kredi Collection, outstanding examples of calligraphy and Osman Hamdi Bey's painting "Women on a Walk" also play a leading role in the collection.

ÖMER KOÇ: "IT SHOWS THE UNIQUE TIMElessness OF ISTANBUL"

Koç Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors Ömer Koç, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Ali Y. Koç, Board Members Caroline N. Koç and İpek Kıraç, Çiğdem Simavi, Kerim R. Koç, Esra Koç, CEO Levent Çakıroğlu and Sadberk Hanım Museum Director Hülyâ Bilgi attended the opening of the exhibition.

Making evaluations in the introductory article in the exhibition book, Koç Holding Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ömer Koç, said: "The works of art produced here for centuries and preserved and exhibited in museums and collections around the world today testify to the universal nature and lasting impact of our cultural heritage of Istanbul. Together, these works tell a story of endurance, renewal and cultural vitality. We are very proud and honored to support this exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum. The exhibition brings together superior works of art that show the unique timelessness of Istanbul." brings it."

Curator of the exhibition, Tim Stanley, stated that bringing together the works of art and stories of two empires is an exciting adventure, and emphasized that Istanbul continues to be one of the most important centers of the world today, as it has throughout history.