Contemporary Istanbul (CI) opened its 20th anniversary edition at the Tersane Istanbul complex, a restored Ottoman shipyard, bringing together 51 galleries from 16 countries. The fair coincided with the Istanbul Biennial, drawing a larger crowd of collectors and museum groups than the previous year. Works by leading Turkish artists such as Nil Yalter, Güneş Terkol, and Azade Köker were on view, with prices ranging from €1,000 for emerging artists to over €2m for a James Rosenquist painting. Despite high spirits, the event unfolded against a backdrop of political tension following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and ongoing protests.
The fair's significance lies in its demonstration of the Turkish art scene's resilience amid increasing censorship and economic challenges. Ali Güreli, chairperson and founder of CI, urged the art community to remain 'radical and clever.' Galleries showcased politically and socially engaged works, including LGBTQ+ themes and pieces by imprisoned artists, navigating censorship that has been present since the 1980s military coup. Collectors requested discounts due to inflation above 30%, yet sales occurred across multiple galleries, underscoring the market's persistence. The event highlights how Turkish artists and dealers continue to produce critical work despite political and economic pressures.