The 2nd National Invitational Poster Exhibition, themed "The Nation's Victory for Democracy," organized by Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University's Faculty of Communication as part of the July 15th Democracy and National Unity Day commemoration program, met with art lovers at the İzzet Baysal Cultural Center Exhibition Hall. This special exhibition aims to convey our nation's unparalleled resistance against the treacherous coup attempt on the night of July 15th through the universal language of art.

The exhibition features a total of 58 original poster designs by 26 artists and academics invited from 18 different universities across Turkey. The exhibition features the invaluable works of Prof. Dr. And ALGÜL, Assoc. Prof. Refik YALUR, Prof. Dr. Adnan TEPECİK, Hatice Elçim BULUT, Kader TALAN, Assoc. Prof. İbrahim YILMAZ, Instr. Erdoğan DİZDAR, Onur AYDIN, Mehmet Emin TOKMAK, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turan ASAN, Hatice Hilal BAŞ, Prof. Dr. Adem YÜCEL, Lect. İlhami DİKSOY, Dr. Lect. Gülce DÖLKELEŞ, İbrahim Furkan DURSUN, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlem VARGÜN, Prof. Dr. Levent MERCİN, Dr. Lect. Nurcan Pınar EKE and the host artists Prof. Dr. Emre TANDIRLI, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Taragay AYÇE, Assoc. Prof. Orhun TÜRKER, Lect. Ümit ÖZTÜRK, Lect. Bahar AKBULAK, Lect. Nimet ÇELEBİ enrich this exhibition with each of their creative and aesthetic works. They symbolize the people's courageous taking to the streets on that dark night, their claiming of democracy and their struggle to protect the national will. The posters created through the discipline of graphic design not only present an aesthetic expression; They also stand out as powerful visual elements of memory, keeping collective memory alive and inviting reflection and remembrance.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on July 14, 2025, at the İzzet Baysal Cultural Center, with a large turnout. Attendees included Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydın, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alişarlı, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Samettin Gündüz, University Secretary General İhsan Ağcan, members of Bolu's provincial protocol, deans of various faculties, department heads, academic and administrative staff, and numerous students. The opening ceremony, following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, emphasized the significance of July 15th and the exhibition's place within this context.

"Art is a powerful expression of the nation's will."

Speaking at the opening, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Emre Tandırlı stated that the exhibition was not merely an art and design event, but also a memorial work documenting the people's rise to democracy through the language of art. Prof. Dr. Tandırlı emphasized the importance of such artistic events in keeping society's memory fresh and passing national values on to younger generations, saying:

“On the night of July 15th, our nation once again demonstrated the resolve it has demonstrated repeatedly throughout history, defending its democracy. Every poster in this exhibition is a reflection of this resolve. These works, shaped by the power of art, are both an aesthetic expression and a call to social responsibility. I sincerely thank all our artists, academics, students, and all stakeholders who contributed.”

With this exhibition, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University once again reveals the role of art in witnessing social events and passing them on to future generations. The national will and passion for freedom that shone brightly in the darkness of the night of July 15th are being recalled once again, this time through works of art. The posters, themed "The Nation's Victory for Democracy," aim to leave a deep mark on both individual and social memory.

The exhibition will continue to welcome visitors at the İzzet Baysal Cultural Center Exhibition Hall until Friday, August 15, 2025. Attracting considerable interest from university students, the academic community, and the people of Bolu, the exhibition will unite art with resistance, aesthetics with democratic awareness for a month. This selection, which offers visitors the opportunity to re-experience and reflect on the spirit of July 15th through art, once again demonstrates the value of graphic design as both a historical document and a tool for strengthening social solidarity.

Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University's Faculty of Communication continues to exist and undertake its responsibility through such events to remember the past, to ensure it is not forgotten, and to use art as a narrative force to build stronger bonds with society.