The Chughtai Art Awards 2025 prize distribution took place in Istanbul on 18 September 2025 under the theme Pakistan-Türkiye: Two States, One Nation, bringing together young artists, educators and diplomatic representatives to celebrate creative exchange.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid and Deputy Governor of Istanbul Mehmet Sulun, alongside Deputy Mayor Fatih Hasan Durhat and Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Murat Mucahit Yentur, with officials from the Istanbul Governorship, the Pakistan Consulate, representatives of the Turkish Ministry of Education, students, teachers and members of the media in attendance.
Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid highlighted the exemplary fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye and noted that the Chughtai Art Awards provide a vital platform for strengthening people-to-people bonds. He commended the students for their creativity and underlined that art connects hearts and transcends borders, reinforcing shared values and mutual respect.
Deputy Governor Mehmet Sulun reaffirmed the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries and stressed that promoting cultural understanding and youth engagement is essential to further consolidating the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye.
The first prize was awarded to Ms. Elif Zuheyla Ataysen of Tuzla Mehmet Tekirap Anadolu Lisesi. The second place went to Ms. Zeynep Akcan from Sehit Yuzbasi Yusuf Kenan MTL, and the third prize was awarded to Ms. Elda Yildan from Goksel Baktagir GSL. Honorable mentions were presented to Ms. Sara AlMuhammad Ali of Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi, Ms. Zehra Asya Keskin from Catalca Fen Lisesi and Ms. Sirda Al Muntaha of Aurach Bahattin Yildiz Anadolu Lisesi.
Named after the renowned Pakistani artist Abdul Rahman Chughtai, the Chughtai Art Awards have been organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Türkiye since 2011 to promote cultural exchange and artistic expression among high school students across Türkiye. The competition has previously been held in Ankara, Konya, Bursa, Bitlis, Adana and Izmir, and this year Istanbul hosted the concluding ceremony that celebrated young talent and bilateral cultural ties.
