The "Reasons for Water" exhibition, which opened at the Cendere Art Museum, explores the historical journey of civilizations through the lens of water rights and water sharing, with works by 14 artists. "Reasons for Water" makes visible at the Cendere Art Museum that water is not merely a resource; it is an element that shapes cultures, beliefs, and conflicts. Offering mythological, cultural, and social readings of water, the "Reasons for Water" exhibition can be visited free of charge at the Cendere Art Museum until February 1, 2026.
The Cendere Water Pumping Station, one of the limited number of surviving industrial heritage structures in Istanbul, has been restored and brought back to life as the Cendere Art Museum. Within this context, the museum is hosting the mixed exhibition titled "Reasons for Water."
Organized with the contributions of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Heritage, the exhibition addresses the historical journey of civilizations through the lens of water rights and water sharing. Curated by Ezgi Bakçay and Sena Tural, the exhibition brings together the works of 14 artists. The exhibition focuses on the idea that a shared future is impossible without the equitable sharing of water.
Cultural and Historical Traces of Water
“Reasons for Water” treats water not only as a natural resource but also as a carrier of trust, memory, and meaning. The exhibition aims to make visible the cultural, religious, and artistic meanings attributed to water from the beginning of human history to the present day.
Inspired by the relationships that civilizations such as Mesopotamia, the Nile, the Ganges, and the Yellow River have established with water, the exhibition considers the mythological, economic, and social dimensions of water together. From the purifying power in legends to the fertility in myths; narratives of water at the center of conflicts and reconciliations are linked to the works in the exhibition.
Artists Participating in the Exhibition
The exhibition; The exhibition features works by Arzu Arbak, Aşkın Ercan, Bahadır Yıldız, Bedia Ekiz, Bünyamin Bozkuş, Cemil Cahit Yavuz, İlgen Arzık, Kemal Tufan, Özcan Yaman, Seniha Ünay, Serkan Yüksel, Sevgi Akyüz, Yağmur Çalış, and Zeynep Doğa Karabulut.
Visiting Information
The “Sudan Sebepler” exhibition can be visited free of charge at the Cendere Art Museum between June 26 and February 1, 2026, every day except Monday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Source: https://www.murekkephaber.com/cendere-sanat-muzesi-nde-su-uzerine-bir-hesaplasma/20913/