The Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) has unveiled its special 2026 calendar, titled “Texture Ankara,” which aims to promote the city’s rich and diverse history through the art of miniature. This initiative highlights Ankara’s historical textures, spanning thousands of years, and presents them with a modern interpretation.
Ankara’s History Through Miniature Art
The calendar meticulously traces Ankara’s history from the Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republican periods. It incorporates motifs and symbols left by various civilizations on stone and wood, bringing them to life through contemporary miniature art.
Atatürk and Historical Structures Depicted
A significant feature of the calendar designs is the inclusion of special collage works that narrate the historical and cultural structures of Ankara through miniature art, alongside visuals of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
Digital Ankara Experience with QR Codes
To further enhance Ankara’s promotion, a dedicated website, “www.dokuankara.com,” has been created. Each page of the calendar features QR codes that, when scanned, direct users to this website. Here, detailed explanations of Ankara’s history are provided through texts and images, correlating with the visuals for each month.
ATO President Baran: Ankara to Shine on the International Stage
Gürsel Baran, President of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that Ankara is set to gain significant international prominence in 2026. This is due to its designation as the Turkish World Capital and its role as the host city for a NATO meeting.
Baran stated that the calendar’s primary objective is to introduce Ankara’s profound history to a wider audience. He remarked, “With our 2026 calendar, we are not only promoting Ankara but also ensuring that the historical traces of our city remain permanent. Economic and cultural development cannot be considered separately. Therefore, we aimed to contribute to the development of art by adapting the miniature art, inherited from the Ottoman Empire, to the present day.”
Economic and Cultural Development Intertwined
The ATO’s initiative underscores the belief that cultural preservation and promotion are integral to economic development. By showcasing Ankara’s artistic and historical heritage, the Chamber aims to attract more attention to the city, both domestically and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange.
The “Texture Ankara” calendar serves as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy and its potential to captivate a global audience, aligning with its upcoming significant international roles in 2026.
