Ankara, March 28 – The first modern Ottoman ambassador, Yirmisekiz Mehmed Çelebi’s initial step into France 300 years ago, has been transformed into a visual experience with artificial intelligence. The exhibition, titled ‘Encounter: A Digital Journey of an Ottoman Ambassador to France,’ has opened its doors to art enthusiasts.
A Digital Interpretation of a Historic Journey
The exhibition, which focuses on Yirmisekiz Mehmed Çelebi’s 1720-1721 journey to France, took place at the French Embassy in Ankara. Hosted by French Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont, and organized in collaboration with Institut Français, Bitter Medya Founder Levent Çelikay, and Tin Medya Founder Muhammed Murat Arslan, the event brought together art lovers.
Çelebi’s observations, detailed in his travelogue ‘Sefaretname,’ have been reinterpreted using artificial intelligence-supported digital art techniques. During the production process, visuals were designed based on a dataset that referenced engravings, technical drawings, and paintings from the period.
Dialogue Between 18th Century and AI Era
Ambassador Dumont stated that the project aims to establish a dialogue between the 18th century and the age of artificial intelligence. She emphasized, “Everything began with the extraordinary memoirs bequeathed to us by Mehmed Çelebi Efendi in his work ‘Sefaretname,’ as the first extraordinary ambassador of the Ottoman State to the court of King Louis XV of France. This important work, which contains detailed and sometimes astonishing descriptions of France and Paris in 1720, is of invaluable worth. From this starting point, we wanted to create a dialogue between two completely opposite eras: Mehmed Çelebi Efendi’s 18th century and the age of artificial intelligence. The concept is simple but bold.”
Levent Çelikay also remarked that the event is not merely an exhibition, stating, “We are here to witness the rebirth of a 300-year-old encounter.” Muhammed Murat Arslan, the curator of the exhibition, highlighted the comprehensive work undertaken for the project. “We examined the engravings, paintings, and sources of the period, taking into account the historical consistency of the products that emerged here. The history of Turkish-French relations dates back a long time. With this work, we have also paid tribute to the deep-rooted relations between the two countries,” he added.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore a significant historical event through the lens of modern technology, providing a fresh perspective on cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and France.
The integration of AI in interpreting historical texts and visuals not only makes the past more accessible but also demonstrates innovative approaches to cultural heritage preservation and presentation. This initiative serves as a bridge between centuries, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time, guided by the insights of a pioneering Ottoman diplomat and the capabilities of artificial intelligence.
The ‘Sefaretname’ itself is a crucial historical document, offering detailed accounts of Çelebi’s observations on French society, culture, and technology during his diplomatic mission. Its digital reimagining for this exhibition allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, bringing these historical narratives to life for a contemporary audience.
This event underscores the enduring cultural ties between Turkey and France, highlighting a shared history that continues to inspire new forms of artistic and technological collaboration. The exhibition is expected to draw considerable interest from both history enthusiasts and those fascinated by the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.
Source: hurriyet.com.tr
