The 7th Mardin Biennial was held between 15 May and 21 June 2026, bringing together 42 artists and artist collectives from 20 countries. The exhibitions, presented across six different venues, were visited by a total of 245,000 people. During the biennial period, major cultural heritage sites of Mardin, including Dara Ancient City and Deyrulzafaran Monastery, welcomed approximately
1.5 million visitors, many of whom also had the opportunity to encounter the biennial. Ates¸ Beyler Hamami in Kiziltepe, which joined the biennial venues for the first time this year, attracted significant public interest.

Hosted by the Mardin Cinema Association, directed by Do¨ne Otyam and Hakan Irmak, and curated by C¸elenk Bafra, the 7th Mardin Biennial—realized with the main sponsorship of PEUGEOT Tu¨rkiye—successfully concluded by bringing together international contemporary art practices with audiences in Mardin’s historically and culturally significant sites.

Presented under the title “SKYground / GO¨Kzemin,” this year’s biennial focused on the relationships between sky and earth, humans and nature, and past and future. Shaped around a conceptual framework guided by birds, the exhibitions invited visitors on a journey of discovery across Mardin’s diverse landscapes and geographies. The biennial took place at Sakip Sabanci Mardin City Museum, Deyrulzafaran Monastery, Dara Ancient City, Kervansaray, Marangozlar Kahvesi, and Ates¸ Beyler Hamami. Alongside the exhibitions, talks, performances, gatherings, and children’s workshops brought together visitors of different ages and backgrounds from various regions and countries.

One of the most significant examples of the biennial’s approach extending beyond the city center was the inclusion of Ates¸ Beyler Hamami in Kiziltepe. Hosting an artistic event for the first time in many years, the historic bathhouse became an important meeting point for contemporary art and local audiences. The closing programme of the biennial reflected the spirit of SKYground / GO¨Kzemin. Held at Dara Ancient City with the participation of writers, poets, artists, musicians, archaeologists, members of the biennial team, and visitors, the programme saw kites take to the sky above the ancient landscape. Accompanied by bird readings, biennial conversations, and musical performances, the gathering marked the conclusion of the 7th Mardin Biennial.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all sponsors, supporting institutions and organizations, artists, the curator, biennial friends, partners, and everyone who contributed to the realization of the biennial. We also thank all art lovers and visitors who joined us throughout this journey.