The book launch and exhibition for “The Letters of Sakarya”, authored by Assoc. Prof. Murat Ertürk, which traces the legacy of painters and sign artists who left their mark on the city’s commercial life, was held at the SATSO Service Building, hosted by Chairman of the Board A. Akgün Altuğ and Assembly President Erdem Ercan.
The event was attended by political representatives, local institution executives, artists featured in the book and their relatives, art enthusiasts from Sakarya, and members of the press.
Alongside the introduction of the 425-page book, the event featured an exhibition showcasing the works and craftsmanship stories of the painters included in the book, attracting significant attention. During the launch, a promotional film was screened, highlighting the process from the project’s conception to publication, as well as the painters’ professions and their reflections on the book.
Assoc. Prof. Murat Ertürk stated:
“In 2017, my curiosity about an old sign I saw in Uzun Çarşı and the signature beneath it led me on this journey, which has culminated in this work. Our book brings to light the biographies and works of 48 painters active between the 1940s and 1990s, along with this important tradition of craftsmanship. After the 1990s, with the advancement of technology, handmade work gradually gave way to machines and automation, and the tradition slowly faded into history. However, with SATSO’s support, it has resurfaced once again. The greatest contribution to the creation of this book came from the painters who opened their archives, shared their knowledge, and supported us as witnesses. The Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry also provided crucial support, without which this book would not have been possible. I would also like to thank my esteemed colleagues, students, and everyone who supported me throughout this process.”
Following his remarks, Ali Kayhan Piliççi and Ayhan Piliççi—among the oldest living representatives of the sign painting tradition—took the stage to express their gratitude to those who contributed to the book and their happiness at seeing this lost tradition brought back into public attention.
After the speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition took place in the SATSO foyer. Attendees explored the displayed works and received signed copies of the book from SATSO Chairman Akgün Altuğ and Assoc. Prof. Murat Ertürk.
