Amish in Istanbul

Turkish quilt-maker Sezer compares a quilt to friendship. Different shapes and patterns come together to create a harmonious whole. While patchwork textiles figure in Turkish art, Oya’s journey began in an unlikely place: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. There she discovered the geometric beauty of Amish quilts. From there, it was a short trip to participating in the creation of a quilt celebrating the United Nations’ 50th Anniversary. Oya recently asked if I’d help her find a way to display the quilts she’d made over the years. I immediately suggested the exhibition you’re about to enjoy. The process began with gathering together quilts Oya had given away as gifts—often from places far from her Istanbul home—so they could be professionally photographed. Oya then wrote the backstory for each of her exhibited quilts.

– Walter L. Meyer, AWB Founder

Be sure to click on the “Read More” link below every square thumbnail image to view the larger, complete image, and to read Oya’s personal stories about each quilt.