MIYABeautiful mosaic works unique in Europe, and even the world.
These exceptional paintings were created by the artist Bahattin SAYGI, renowned in the Middle East. He was highly sought after for the restoration of mosaic artworks, particularly in the Holy Land. The forty-six creations he produced are unique and invaluable: they are made of small stones sourced from Palestine, Jordan, and Israel (some even from Solomon’s mines in the Holy Land).
Now recognized in Europe, several of these works are displayed in prestigious holy sites such as the Vatican (Italy), the Sanctuary of Lourdes (France), the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), the Sanctuary of Fatima (Portugal), the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane (France), the Sanctuary of Mont Sainte-Odile (France), and the Basilica of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre (France).
Remarkably, these paintings of exceptional beauty and originality will be displayed in the seven holy sites mentioned, even though, in general, the authorities of these sanctuaries never exhibit artworks, either temporarily or permanently. One of the paintings has also been subject to an official donation agreement; and, in an unprecedented move, the associated letter specifies that the sanctuaries themselves are requesting further paintings through patronage.
The beauty and originality of these works are further confirmed by renowned experts, including Messrs. Mathieu LOURS, Michel LANGLOIS, Daniel C. LORENZO SANTOS, Robin DUPONT, and filmmaker Bruno VICTOR-PUJEBET.
Mahir AKKAYA had the opportunity to discuss with them the quality and rarity of these mosaics, and all unanimously praised the beauty and unique character of these artworks, whose value is priceless.
In the photo, from left to right:
Daniel C. LORENZO SANTOS
Director of the Foundation of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Mahir Akkaya,
Monseigneur JULIAN BARRIO, Rector of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Praise
Reviews
Mathieu LOURS, Art Professor
An exchange took place with Mr. Mathieu LOURS, an Art professor, teaching Modern History and History of Architecture at the University of Cergy-Pontoise.
A specialist in religious architecture, particularly cathedrals, he has published nearly ten books and is recognized by his peers as one of the greatest specialists in castles, cathedrals, churches, sacred architecture, and pilgrimage sites.
Michel LANGLOIS, Historian
Mahir AKKAYA also had a conversation with Mr. Michel LANGLOIS, a historian specializing in the study of Religions, as well as ancient books and writings related to them.
He is considered one of the greatest specialists in Jewish and Christian Apocrypha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Qumran manuscripts.
Bruno VICTOR-PUJEBET, Filmmaker
Mahir also exchanged with Mr. Bruno VICTOR-PUJEBET, recognized as the greatest filmmaker of religious documentaries, primarily focused on sacred monuments such as churches and cathedrals.
In his productions, he always describes with precision and documentation the particularities and artworks found within these sites.
Daniel C. LORENZO SANTOS, Director of the Compostela Cathedral Foundation
Mr. Daniel C. LORENZO SANTOS, Director of the Compostela Cathedral Foundation, also confirmed the exceptional value of these paintings, calling them “completely unprecedented.”
Mr. Robin DUPONT, Heritage Curator of the Lourdes Sanctuary
During the donation presentation at the Lourdes Sanctuary, Mr. Robin DUPONT, heritage curator of this site, a doctor in Art History and Archaeology, told Mahir AKKAYA that it was a painting of great beauty and that the technique of small stone mosaics was a truly original process.
The Requests
The two curators mentioned, as well as the curator of the Fatima Sanctuary, the officials of Oradour-sur-Glane, and the Basilica of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, all expressed the wish to receive more works from this artist for their respective sites.
This is an unprecedented and particularly exceptional request for such places.
