Yordanka Bibina

The Banks and Culture in Modern Turkey

Summary

The philosophy of support to arts and culture is a historical tradition deeply rooted in Turkish mentality. It’s origins lay in the centuries-old cultural activity of Vakifs. The contemporary financial institutions plays an important role in this field considerably adding to and supporting the state’s cultural policy.

The Turkish banks- either the first ones established in the Ottoman times, or national created in the first years of Turkish Republic, or large number of newly raised banks in the years that followed the political democratization and economic liberalization of 50s, give their important contribution to the development of culture and arts, environment protection, preservation of the historical heritage or, in other words, the memory of the nation. They also have their concerns and initiatives in the development of music, archeology, ballet, photography and more. The cultural activities of contemporary Turkish banks include more and more spheres – literature, publications, ecology, sports, classical and traditional music, etc. The financial support of the banks takes new forms developing from the single cases to the important large-scale events on regular basis – festivals, competitions and others. They broaden the scope of these activities expanding it to abroad thus participating in the building of country’s positive image, especially in Europe. In the meantime to great extend the banks have institutionalized their cultural activities creating own cultural centers, galleries of art, publishing houses. Probably, the contribution of Turkish banks in particular, and Turkish businesses in general is even bigger, here I try just to outline the main characteristics of their role as an important factor complementing the state cultural policy and illustrate the positive example of how the relations between state and business can be quite beneficial for the social and cultural life. Doubted less, it is a good example that Bulgarian financial institutions and businesses could apply not just a part of advertising campaigns but as a long-lasting contribution to the Bulgarian culture that for more than a decade faces serious troubles and crisis.