Ziyad Sultanov

Who is Ziyad Sultanov? (1959, Baku – 2024 Istanbul)

Ziyad Sultanov (b. 1959, Baku), born in Azerbaijan, is an important artist known in contemporary Turkish painting for his production focused on color, light, and atmosphere. Since settling in Istanbul, Sultanov has particularly drawn attention by transferring the historical texture, streets, and landscapes of this city onto his canvases. In his works, he skillfully uses natural light, seasonal rhythms, and architectural rhythms.

His Life:

Ziyad Sultanov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1959 and completed his secondary education there. He took his first steps in art education at the Azim Azimzade Higher School of Painting; then he graduated with distinction from the “Painting” department of Nasreddin Tusi Azerbaijan State University (1986).

As part of his education, he was at the St. Petersburg Academy from 1982–1984; Here, he developed his technical and aesthetic skills by studying paintings and sculptures by classical masters in cultural venues such as the Hermitage Museum.

This academic and practical training process deepened Sultanov’s understanding of the relationship between figure, space, and light.

Artistic Production;
Sultanov’s paintings are distinguished by their strong relationship with the rhythm of the city, the light and atmosphere of historical architecture. Elements frequently seen on the artist’s canvas include:
• The old streets, mosques, minarets, and mansions of Istanbul
• Bosphorus views and coastal landscapes
• Seasonal changes in light
• Color and texture analysis of architectural details
The artist, especially when working on historical places in Istanbul, transforms the dialogue between old and new, cultural heritage and modern life into a visual narrative.

In Ziyad Sultanov’s brushstrokes, light-color harmony, vibrant atmospheres, and deep perspective are combined; this provides his works with both emotional intensity and a powerful atmosphere that evokes a sense of place in the viewer.