The Relationship Between State and Art

In terms of the number of excavations and museums, and opera, ballet, and theater companies, the Republic of Turkey is more advanced than most similar states. If our state's cultural policy had been different, if the development of many art forms had been left to the private sector, our country could not have reached its current level.

Of course, we could have done much more, our cultural institutions could have achieved greater successes, but still, many of the works accomplished are at a level that could serve as an example to the world. Unfortunately, the state, which provides excellent opportunities for encouragement, has occasionally been unfair to artists and acted oppressively. A state that performs its duty civilly, respects the dignity and free spirit of the arts, and even embraces justified criticism, will achieve glorious cultural victories with its extraordinary services. A well-functioning Ministry of Culture can revive our arts in the New Turkey.

In his work "The Relationship Between State and Art," Sacit Hadi Akdede develops the principles of the artistic life of a benevolent cultural republic with a perfectly rational order.
-Prof. Talât S. Halman-
First Minister of Culture of the Republic of Turkey;
Bilkent University
Dean of Humanities and
Faculty of Letters

Professor Sacit has examined the most "social" aspect of art in our lives: its political economy. With rich examples from Turkey and the global economy, along with thought-provoking questions. A contribution to be read with interest and care.
-Prof. Dr. Erinç Yeldan-
Bilkent University
(From the Promotional Bulletin)