Turkey and Burkina Faso Strengthen Ties Through Cultural Diplomacy and Art
OUAGADOUGOU: The Embassy of Turqiye (formerly known as Turkey) in Burkina Faso hosted an exhibition of plastic arts on Wednesday evening, November 8, 2023, in Ouagadougou, showcasing African visual artists and fostering cultural diplomacy between Turkey and Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Nilgün Erdem Ari, this event aligns with the centenary celebrations of the Republic of Turkey and aims to promote cultural relations with Burkina Faso. The exhibition, held at the ambassador’s residence, was part of the 4th edition of the Ouagadougou Contemporary Art Market (Wékré) and intended to connect African and Turkish artists with potential clients.
Ambassador Erdem Ari emphasized the role of art and culture in promoting social cohesion, solidarity, and peace. The exhibition also served as a platform to highlight the talents of African artists and their contributions to the cultural landscape.
Aboubacar Sanga, the executive secretary of the Collectif Wékré, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the embassy. He noted that the Ouagadougou Contemporary Art Market, held from November 6 to 12, 2023, at the Bangréwéogo urban park, aimed to make Burkinabè art accessible to local citizens and friends of Burkina Faso.
Sanga praised the participating artists from countries like Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Niger, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Benin for their solidarity in attending the event amidst challenging security conditions in Burkina Faso. He also highlighted the special contribution of Ivorian Mathilde Moreau, the exhibition’s curator and honorary director of the Abidjan school of fine arts.
The event also celebrated the women of the royal court of Tiébélé in south-central Burkina Faso, known for their mural paintings, a UNESCO-listed world heritage. Sanga advocated for the promotion and preservation of these traditional art forms, suggesting their incorporation into the decoration of various buildings to leave traces of cultural identity.
Assèta Nassara Idogo, speaking on behalf of the women of the royal court, emphasized the need to promote Burkinabè culture globally and engage the youth in cultural traditions. She expressed joy in sharing her knowledge with a diverse group of artists at the exhibition.
The event marks a significant step in strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding between Turkey and Burkina Faso, highlighting the power of art in bridging communities and nations.