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 fair unfolded against a backdrop of political tension following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, ongoing protests, and increasing censorship. Galleries displayed politically and socially engaged works, including Rasim Aksan's homoerotic triptych and Fatoş İrwen's prison-made fabric piece, while collectors sought discounts amid Turkey's high inflation and economic volatility.
The fair's resilience underscores the enduring strength of Turkey's art scene under political and economic pressure. Ali Güreli, chairperson and founder of Contemporary Istanbul, urged the art world to remain 'radical and clever' in the face of censorship, which he described as 'nothing new' since the 1980s military coup. The event highlights how Turkish artists and galleries continue to produce critical, socially engaged work despite restrictions on freedom of speech and religious sensitivity. The sales activity, including works by Tony Cragg, Nilbar Güreş, and Azade Köker, demonstrates that collecting persists even as inflation above 30% and economic uncertainty push buyers to negotiate discounts. This edition of CI serves as a barometer for the health of Turkey's art ecosystem amid broader socio-political challenges.