Awards were presented at the cartoon competition themed "Istanbul Through the Eyes of a Tourist."
The International Tourism Cartoons Competition the only cartoon competition in the world in the field of tourism has been held 16 times to date. The 16th edition, themed "Being a Tourist in Istanbul," drew 356 artists from 49 countries with 572 works. The award-winning cartoonists received their prizes at a ceremony held at Metrohan in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district.
A Different Look at Tourism Through the Art of Cartoons
The International Tourism Cartoons Competition, held without interruption every year, aims to address tourism through the art of cartooning from different perspectives. The competition also aims to support young cartoonists and to strengthen intercultural communication.
For the 16th edition, held with the support of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TUROB), the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Tourism and the Istanbul Congress and Visitors Bureau, 356 artists from 49 countries submitted 572 works.
Youth and Adult Categories
The competition was held in two categories:
To date, the competition has explored various sub-themes such as ""The All-Inclusive System," "Tourism and Peace," "The Future of Tourism, the Tourism of the Future," "Holidays from Past to Present," "Travel Memories," "The Airport," "Covid-19 and Tourism," "Tourism Sector Employees," "Women in the Tourism Sector," "Relations Between Tourists and the Local People Living in Holiday Destinations" .
The Theme of the 16th Edition of the Competition: "Being a Tourist in Istanbul"
The artists interpreted Istanbul from their own perspectives.
Among the countries with the highest participation were Brazil, China, Indonesia, Iran, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. The most works came from Iran.
Award Winners
Adult Category
Youth Category
Contribution to Türkiye's Artistic Promotion
The competition's coordinator, Prof. Dr. Nazmi Kozak, emphasized that this year's competition was the world's first cartoon competition centered on a city. He said that the competition, whose quality is certified by international organizations, contributes to Türkiye's artistic promotion abroad.
Prof. Dr. Kozak stated that the elements that stand out in the works when Istanbul is mentioned are the Bosphorus bridges, mosques, cats, the people fishing on the Galata Bridge, street vendors, the Galata Tower, crowded scenes of people, the simit, seagulls and taxis.
Müberra Eresin, President of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB), also stated that they are greatly pleased to support the event as TÜROB, saying: "The participation of 356 artists from 49 countries with a total of 572 works shows that our competition has now attained a respected place not only in our country but worldwide. The cartoon is a very special form of expression that makes one think, smile and question. Tourism, meanwhile, is a universal value that brings cultures together and draws people closer to one another. Thanks to this competition, these two powerful forms of expression have met on the same ground for years. Istanbul, with its history, culture, colors and dynamism, has always been a city that inspires artists. This city, viewed through the eyes of a tourist sometimes with admiration, sometimes with a smile, and sometimes with astonishment, gives us different perspectives through its reflections in the cartoons. I would like to thank in particular the originator of this meaningful competition and Competition Coordinator Prof. Dr. Nazmi Kozak, who has ensured its continuation for years with great dedication. We are grateful to him for carrying this organization to where it is today with his passion and effort. I also wholeheartedly thank our jury members, the organizing committee, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Tourism, the Istanbul Congress and Visitors Bureau, our members Grand Ant Hotel and Radisson Vadi İstanbul, and, most importantly, all our artists who enriched this event with their works."