Gaza crisis through eyes of children: Istanbul exhibition makes global impact

By Fatih Turkyilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - An exhibition in Istanbul to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from the perspective of children has garnered international acclaim, attracting not only locals but foreign guests and members of the international press.

Bulletproof Dreams: Exhibition of Gazan Child Artists, was hosted by the Turkish Communications Directorate and opened in late December in Taksim Square.

Renowned Lebanese-Swedish iconic Muslim singer Maher Zain, along with Tunisian singer and songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, visited the exhibition and expressed support.

The exhibition features specially composed songs for Palestine by the artists and addresses the hardships faced by Palestinians.

Zain praised the effect of the exhibition. "Now we are here in this exhibition, beautiful artwork. And we can see it is very expressive, extremely expressive, and this is like through the minds and the eyes of the children of Palestine and Gaza," he told Anadolu.

Calling for an end to the violence, he said: "We have been witnessing this now for more than 90 days and it is terrible. I mean, it is devastating to watch and it is still going on. It is even more devastating and we do not know when it is going to stop. We just hope that is going to stop as soon as possible. We want a ceasefire now of course."

He emphasized the need for everyone to take a stand against the ongoing atrocities and said he hopes his music and art could contribute to the cause.

Emel Mathlouthi was emotionally moved by witnessing the images of violence and war imprinted on the memories of children.

"As a person, I feel a little bit weak, because I am just an artist. But I hope that art and especially from this exhibition can reach more hearts can reach more eyes. I wish that this amazing collection could travel in the world, could go to Paris to Berlin to New York, to London, because it is very important that we show Gaza, not only through the lens of reporters, but through the lens of its children," she said.

The exhibition showcases the artwork of Gazan children, conveying their emotions, traumas and the challenging conditions they endure through art. The artworks are complemented by special sections dedicated to journalists and doctors killed during Israel's recent attacks.

Türkiye's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, stressed the significance of the children's artwork as evidence of Israel's atrocities.

"This exhibition and our other efforts are aimed at confronting the world with the harsh realities they choose to ignore. We will continue to expose the truths that the world refuses to see, both domestically and internationally," said Altun.

The exhibition is open to the public until Jan. 29. It has already been seen by 200,000 visitors.

The exhibition features 266 artworks, some of which were drawn by Gazan children who were killed in subsequent attacks.

It aims to raise awareness in the international community by conveying the feelings, traumas, pain, and difficult conditions of children who witnessed the war in Gaza.

The exhibition includes physical installations of paintings by Gazan children and digital screenings.