"The 18th and 19th Century Kilim Collection of Brigitte and Ayan Gülgönen"

Some examples of Anatolian kilims exhibiting unique features previously unrecorded in literature and scarcely known are being exhibited for the first time from May 3 to June 23, 2006, at the Millî Reasürans Art Gallery. The Millî Reasürans Art Gallery hosts a special exhibition presenting a selection from the distinguished collection of Anatolian kilims from the 18th and 19th centuries belonging to Brigitte and Ayan Gülgönen, who are among the world's leading kilim collectors. Brigitte and Ayan Gülgönen mention that the exhibition includes kilims with previously unpublished or lesser-known and extraordinary features. With this scope, the exhibition can attract the interest of kilim experts as well as offer surprises to enthusiasts.

In conjunction with the exhibition, a book has been published featuring a foreword by Josephine Powell, an article by Ayan Gülgönen on kilims and his collection, and a text by kilim expert Şeref Özen. Short descriptive explanations accompany each kilim in the book, while Architect Ahmet Gülgönen has drawn the pattern of a motif from each kilim. Published in Turkish and English, the book holds significant importance in the kilim literature due to its content.

Having previously exhibited "Tülü" at the Dolmabahçe Cultural Center and "18-19th Century Konya Cappadocia Carpets" at the Museum of Islamic Art, why did the Gülgönens choose an art gallery for this important exhibition? Gallery manager Amelie Edgü says the following about this: "Ayan and Brigitte Gülgönen are not only interested in kilims and handicrafts but also in fine arts. They have a carefully curated collection of paintings. We see their taste reflected in their kilim selections as well. They do not approach kilims merely as a handcraft or textile specimen from an ethnological perspective; they also see them as works of fine art in terms of creativity, color harmony, composition, and proportions. I believe these factors weigh heavily in their selections, making the exhibition truly special. I recommend not only kilim collectors and textile enthusiasts but also those interested in fine arts to attend the exhibition."