EditJourney to Hope: MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk inaugurates exhibition with powerful global message
The lawmaker underscored the vital role of culture and creativity in fostering dialogue and solidarity at a moment when global divisions threaten peace and understanding
In the heart of the European Parliament, MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria|) officially opened on Tuesday the IX International Friendship Exhibition “Journey to Hope”, emphasising that art transcends borders, languages, and differences to deliver a profoundly human and social message of unity and resilience.
The exhibition presents one painting each by 23 contemporary Bulgarian artists.
Highlighting the exhibition’s universal theme of hope – the force that propels humanity forward even in the most challenging times – Kyuchyuk stressed that this gathering of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds serves as a living bridge between people.
“Art is a universal language. It knows no borders, needs no translation, and has the power to unite us beyond our differences,” he declared.
By hosting the event in the European Parliament, the MEP underscored the vital role of culture and creativity in fostering dialogue and solidarity at a moment when global divisions threaten peace and understanding.
Curated by Rafie Karadja, the exhibition carries an important message for the entire world: in an era of uncertainty, shared hope expressed through art can heal divides, build empathy, and remind us of our common humanity. The event offers visitors an inspiring experience that proves culture remains one of our strongest tools for building a more connected and compassionate world.
“Art in all its forms is a universal language capable of transcending borders and fostering genuine dialogue,” said Natalia Uzunova, the Bulgarian Ambassador to Belgium.
“The Moon Hug,” a sculptural painting on canvas, symbolises precisely the unity in diversity, according to its author, artist Maria Zlatanova. It was originally painted as a gift for a Turkish MP. However, the fact that the crescent adorns the flag of Turkey is purely coincidental, the artist emphasised.
Desislava Radeva titled her work “The Way,” which was exhibited in the European Parliament. The ship automatically evokes associations with the legendary Russian painter Ivan Aivazovsky.
“I really love painting the sea. I am preparing a long series with old Spanish ships — this one is one of them. These are mainly treasure ships. In the paintings I will include hidden symbols that will be visible only under certain lighting,” she told EUalive.
“The Way” was painted specifically for this exhibition. The artist’s message is to reveal the right way toward the important and meaningful things in life. The way itself is illuminated by the sunset.Rafiye Karaca, a Bulgarian artist of Turkish origin, is the curator of the exhibition. She participated with an acrylic on canvas titled “Welcome.”
“The EU was born from the ashes of war and from the decision that there must be a better path, based on values such as human dignity,” she said.
The Italian island of Capri is the favourite place of artist Miroslava Zaharieva. She spends a lot of time there and paints its local landmarks. To leave no doubt, she exhibited in the European Parliament her painting “My Happy Place,” in which she immortalised one of Capri’s thousands of beautiful little houses.
“Since art is a universal language, it knows no borders, needs no translation, and has the power to unite us beyond differences,” Ilhan Kyuchyuk concluded.
Caption: Ilhan Kyuchyuk with the Bulgarian Ambassador to Belgium Natalia Uzunova. left, and the curator of the exhibition Rafiye Karaca.
Updated: March 25, 2026 - 07:52
