The 2nd National Invitational Poster Exhibition, themed "The Nation's Democracy Victory," organized by Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University's Faculty of Communication as part of the July 15th Democracy and National Unity Day commemoration program, opened to 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. Each work symbolizes the people's courageous taking to the streets on that dark night, their reclaiming of democracy, and their struggle to protect the national will. Created with the discipline of graphic design, the posters not only offer an aesthetic expression but also stand out as powerful visual mnemonics that keep social memory alive and invite 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. 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, Bolu provincial officials, various faculty deans, department heads, academic and administrative staff, and numerous students attended the opening ceremony. Following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, speeches emphasized the significance of July 15th and the exhibition's place in this context.

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

Speaking at the opening, Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Emre Tandırlı stated that the exhibition was not merely an art and design event but also a commemorative work documenting the public's embrace of democracy through the language of art. Emphasizing the importance of such artistic events in keeping public memory fresh and instilling national values in younger generations, Prof. Dr. Tandırlı said:
“On the night of July 15th, our nation reaffirmed the resolve it has demonstrated repeatedly throughout history, regaining 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 contributing artists, academics, students, and all our stakeholders.”

With this exhibition, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University once again demonstrates the role of art in witnessing social events and passing them on to future generations. The national will and passion for freedom, which shone brightly in the darkness of the night of July 15th, are being revived this time through works of art. The posters, themed "The Nation's Democracy Victory," aim to leave a deep mark on both individual and collective memory. The exhibition will continue to welcome visitors at the İzzet Baysal Cultural Center Exhibition Hall until Friday, August 15, 2025. The exhibition, which has attracted considerable interest from university students, the academic community, and the people of Bolu, will continue for a month, uniting art with resistance, aesthetics with democratic awareness. 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 its presence and responsibility with such events to remember the past, ensure it is not forgotten, and use art as a narrative force to forge stronger bonds with society.