The International Tourism Cartoons Competition, distinguished as the only cartoon competition in the world dedicated exclusively to tourism, was held for the 17th time this year. Organized by Anatolia Tourism Academy and the Encyclopedia of Turkish Tourism, with the main sponsorship of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, the competition once again demonstrated the unifying power of art beyond conflicts, divisions, and borders.

Held under the theme “Şanlıurfa: A Century in Every Step, A Secret in Every Century,” the competition attracted 570 cartoons submitted by 337 artists from 48 countries. Yet what made this year's edition truly remarkable was not the numbers, but the ability of artists from different corners of the world to come together around a shared dream and common emotions despite the pain and conflicts affecting their countries.

Lines United by Hope in the Shadow of War

Artists from regions devastated by war stood side by side in this year's competition. The presence of Iranian and Ukrainian cartoonists on the same stage and in the same list of winners delivered perhaps the message the world needs most today: “Art is a language that even war cannot divide.”

While Iranian artists won first prize and several other awards, Ukrainian cartoonist Oleksiy Kustovsky was awarded second prize. This was more than a competition result; it became a powerful symbol touching the shared conscience of humanity.

The outcome demonstrated that the International Tourism Cartoons Competition is far more than a cultural event. It has evolved into a platform that reminds us that peace, dialogue, and coexistence remain possible.

A Universal Perspective on Tourism and Life Through Cartoons

Organized annually without interruption, the competition continues to explore tourism through the art of cartoons from diverse perspectives while encouraging young talents and strengthening intercultural connections.

The competition is held in two categories: Adult and Youth. In the Adult Category, awards are presented for First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and the Prof. Atila Özer Special Award. In the Youth Category, three ranking awards are presented. These awards represent not only achievement but also confidence in the future of art.

Award Winners

Adult Category

• First Prize: Hamid Ghalijari (Iran)
• Second Prize: Oleksiy Kustovsky (Ukraine)
• Third Prize: Nahid Maghsoudi (Iran)
• Prof. Atila Özer Special Award: Ali Rastroo (Iran)

Youth Category

• First Prize: Elif Kıyak (Türkiye)
• Second Prize: Oğuz Doğan (Türkiye)
• Third Prize: Defne Demirci (Türkiye)

Applause Replaced by Silence: Award Ceremony Postponed

This year, however, the applause that should have accompanied the celebration of the winners gave way to silence under the shadow of war. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and regional developments, the award ceremony could not be held on the planned date.

The organizing committee announced that the ceremony will take place in Şanlıurfa at a time when the war has ended and peace can once again be openly discussed. This decision is regarded not merely as a postponement, but also as an expression of faith in peace.

An Artistic and Humanitarian Contribution to the Promotion of Türkiye

Professor Nazmi Kozak, the coordinator of the competition, emphasized that the event is one of the few cartoon competitions in the world organized around the theme of a specific city. He noted that the competition makes a significant contribution to the international cultural promotion of both Türkiye and Şanlıurfa.

Kozak also stated that this year's International Tourism Cartoons Competition did more than promote tourism; it made visible, through the language of cartoons, the shared emotions of people from different geographies, their longing for peace, and their hope for living together.

He concluded with the following words:

“Sometimes a cartoon can express what words cannot. And sometimes the most powerful call for peace emerges from a single line.”