Turkish miniaturist unravels intriguing world of miniature art

With art of miniature now included in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Taner Alakuş, a Turkish miniature artist, sheds light on the way this branch of art, which has gained significant national interest, is advancing in the international arena and the potential it holds.

"Whether miniature art is a cultural heritage or not does not interest me much. Some people say that it will be known better on international platforms. This art has already become national. Now it has come to the point of being international. It could only benefit us at this point if it becomes better known," said Alakuş, who is also working as a lecturer at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU).

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Alakuş explained what intrigued him to enter the world of miniature art, his perspective and understanding about this form of art.

Speaking about his journey of how he first got interested in traditional arts in 1982 at MSGSU, Alakuş said, "When I first started university, I had no idea about traditional arts. Though I was more interested in sculpture, painting and plastic arts, I could not pass their exams, but I somehow managed to pass the traditional Turkish arts exam."

"My teacher, Dündar Tahsin Aykutalp, gave me a small presentation about traditional arts. It got me interest and I felt like working on this art form. I thought 'If it is a national art belonging to us, then it would be better to learn this art.' And then my adventure started," he added.

Stating that there was no lecturer who taught the art of miniature at the university back then and that only one teacher gave all courses such as tile and calligraphy, Alakuş said that 40 years ago traditional arts were not that common.

"For instance,...