Colors of the Silk Road

2012 has been the cultural year of China in Turkey and with the closing of the year comes the closing of the exhibitions and events. "Colours of the Silk Road" encompasses two exhibitions, giving visitors a taste of 5000 years of Chinese culture.

From Istanbul, Natalie Carney reports on the presentations enhancing rich cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Turkey has hosted a number of events throughout the year to showcase China's rich culture and the history that connects the two civilizations by way of the ancient Silk Road.

These latest exhibitions are the last in a series celebrating 'The Year of China in Turkey'.

The Minister of Culture inaugurated the "Treasures of China" exhibition with a tour of five rare terracotta soldiers representing the armies of the first Emperor of China. A terracotta horse and other artwork from the Shanghai Museum and Beijing's "Forbidden City" are also on display.

Some of these pieces have never left China.

Ertugtul Gunay, minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, said, "This exhibition gives us a chance to see very import pieces from 5000 years of Chinese culture. The Terracotta Soldiers are one of the world's main archeological discoveries. This is great cultural opportunity for everyone."

Complementing the exhibition is the "Impressions of Dunhuang", offering a glimpse into the unique Dunhuang caves, which consist of 492 temples.

Equally as important to Chinese civilization, the caves were elaborately painted for the use in Buddhist meditation and teachings.

Like Istanbul, Dunhuang was one of the main traffic and trade hubs along the Silk Road. Some of the Turkish visitors can see the deeply imbedded cultural exchanges.

Turkish art student Feyza Delik said, "You can see reflections of the Turkish culture in most of their cultural elements, such as the Chinese alphabet. I think there is a huge tie between Turkish and Chinese culture, language and history."

Turkish art lover Yunus Mutlu said, "Of course there must be a tie between the two cultures. I am here to discover that through Buddhist art and its progress between the forth and the fourteenth centuries."

With the geographical distance making it difficult for many in Turkey to experience the richness of Chinese civilization, the organizers say these displays aim to bring that culture to them.

Both exhibitions are open until February when the cultural exchange heads east and China begins hosting events to promote the history and heritage of Turkish.

Reporter: "The profound content and exquisite art found in the region and now here on display in Turkey are testament that it wasn't only trade that traveled along the ancient Silk Road, but also rich cultures and history."