09.05.2026 21:43
Artists who dedicate their lives to the art of bonsai combine nature and aesthetics by shaping trees and woody plants with years of patience, effort, and mastery. While these artists reinterpret nature's aesthetic aspects on a miniature scale, their special works exhibited in Kocaeli have garnered great admiration, and it was noted that the value of some pieces reaches up to 1 million TL.
Bonsai artists in Kocaeli came together at an event blending nature and aesthetics to share their experiences and conduct hands-on workshops.
NOT JUST A DECORATION...
Originating from the Penjing tradition in China around 2,000 years ago, bonsai developed over time in Japan into an art form requiring aesthetics and patience. Reflecting this deep history, artists from various regions of Turkey gathered in Kocaeli to showcase their works, which they have cultivated over many years. The artists emphasized that bonsai is not merely a decoration but a living art embodying patience, discipline, and a philosophy of harmony with nature.
At the 6th National Bonsai Exhibition and Symposium, hosted by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, artists exhibited their works, cultivated over years. Over the two-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of bonsai art.
"STARTING FROM 500,000 TL UP TO 1 MILLION TL"
Arsen Uzun, who came from Izmir, said, "Together with bonsai enthusiasts from Turkey and surrounding areas, we showcase our trees and work to develop bonsai art in Turkey. I have been in this for about 30-35 years. My love for bonsai began in the 1990s, inspired by the Karate Kid movie, and has brought me to this point. Bonsai art is a different art. There is a big difference between being passionate and cultivating. We have dedicated our hearts to this. Taking these trees from their smallest branch to a level where bonsai art can be practiced takes decades. In terms of price, we can also cater to people's purchasing power. At the same time, we have ultra-luxury trees. Our trees start from 500,000 TL and can go up to 1 million TL."
"IT TAKES YEARS TO TAKE SHAPE"
Another bonsai artist, Recep Çelimli, said, "I discovered bonsai art in 2007. I have been interested in bonsai ever since. I have been involved in this art for about 19 years. Depending on the tree's form structure, results can usually be achieved within 3-5 years. Since olive trees take shape faster, they can be turned into bonsai in a shorter time when they are yamadori (trees taken from nature). However, for trees grown from seed, this process takes quite a long time."
Berna Abiş, Deputy Mayor of the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, stated that they place great importance on cultural and artistic events, expressing satisfaction that such arts are represented in Kocaeli. Abiş noted that great works are shaped by small touches and designs, emphasizing that cities and societies also develop with this understanding.