18.07.2025 18:00
Ahmet Güneştekin, the artist, gave his statement as part of the corruption investigation concerning Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been removed from his position as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). Güneştekin stated that İmamoğlu did not support his election campaign and that the building he purchased in Venice was not acquired in İmamoğlu's name.
Ahmet Güneştekin, who was questioned as part of the investigation into the corruption allegation against Ekrem İmamoğlu, stated, "I did not support Ekrem İmamoğlu's election campaign. I did not share him on social media. I may have made a post to thank everyone who contributed because he attended my exhibition."
The investigation into the corruption allegation against Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from his position as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and arrested, is ongoing.
AHMET GÜNEŞTEKİN GAVE A STATEMENT
As part of the investigation, the prosecutor's office took the statement of artist Ahmet Güneştekin as a suspect. In his statement, Güneştekin said that he has known Ekrem İmamoğlu for about 6-7 years, stating, "I met him at an art exhibition. Later, he visited my studio. He offered to hold an exhibition. I organized an exhibition at Feshane. There is no IMM among the sponsors of the exhibition. The sponsors of my exhibitions are well-known people and companies from the business world. Ekrem İmamoğlu has visited other exhibitions I organized as well. Many politicians and business people visit my exhibitions. They buy my works. I am a world-renowned artist," he said.
"I DID NOT PURCHASE THE BUILDING IN EKREM İMAMOĞLU'S NAME"
Güneştekin, who stated, "I purchased a historical building from the 17th century in Venice in 2022," continued: "The purchasing process started in 2021. It became official in 2023. I applied for the purchase in 2020. Hundreds of artists applied. However, I purchased the building with the artist fund because I met the purchasing criteria. The artist fund is related to the building being sold for 30-40% below its value. I made a payment of approximately 6 million Euros. The money transfer was made from my accounts in Turkey.
At the time I purchased the building, my artwork sales were very high. I was the artist who paid the highest tax. This payment I made was also subject to MASAK control. I purchased this building with my own money. Ekrem İmamoğlu had no contribution. I did not purchase the building in Ekrem İmamoğlu's name. The building belongs to me. Since this building is a historical artifact, it is not possible for me to change its name."
"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GAIN UNFAIR PROFIT"
In the continuation of his statement, Güneştekin said, "There is no situation of money laundering through my works. I did not support Ekrem İmamoğlu's election campaign. I did not share him on social media. I may have made a post to thank everyone who contributed because he attended my exhibition. I do not know that the Doğuş group won the metro tender. They asked me for an artwork at Galataport. I gave them a piece.
I do not have an account in foreign banks. I only made a money transfer to purchase the building in Venice. I know Mahir Polat because he is at the head of the IMM inheritance. Until now, I have not wanted any public institutions to sponsor any of my exhibitions. Therefore, it is also impossible for me to benefit from IMM's resources or gain unfair profit," he stated.