The Chughtai Art Awards 2025 took place in Istanbul on 18 September, organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye under the theme “Pakistan-Türkiye: Two States, One Nation” to showcase high school student creativity and deepen cultural bonds.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid and Deputy Governor Istanbul Mehmet Sulun, alongside Deputy Mayor Fatih Hasan Durhat, Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Murat Mucahit Yentur, officials from the Istanbul Governorship, representatives of the Pakistan Consulate and the Turkish Ministry of Education, students, teachers and members of the media.
Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid highlighted the exemplary fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye and said the Chughtai Art Awards theme reflected the unity and solidarity that underpin the bilateral partnership. He commended the participating students for their creativity, noting that art is a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend borders and strengthen people-to-people linkages.
Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun reiterated the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries and emphasised that promoting cultural understanding and engaging youth are vital to consolidating the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The first prize at the Chughtai Art Awards 2025 was awarded to Ms. Elif Zuheyla Ataysen of Tuzla Mehmet Tekirap Anadolu Lisesi. Ms. Zeynep Akcan from Sehit Yuzbasi Yusuf Kenan MTL and Ms. Elda Yildan from Goksel Baktagir GSL secured the second and third positions respectively.
Honorable mentions were given to Ms. Sara AlMuhammad Ali from Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi, Ms. Zehra Asya Keskin from Catalca Fen Lisesi and Ms. Sirda Al Muntaha from Aurach Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi.
Named after the renowned Pakistani artist Abdul Rahman Chughtai, the Chughtai Art Awards have been organised annually by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye since 2011 to promote cultural exchange and artistic expression among high school students across Türkiye. The competition has previously been held in Ankara, Konya, Bursa, Bitlis, Adana and Izmir, and this year Istanbul played host as the awards continue to foster cultural diplomacy and strengthen Pak-Türkiye ties.
