MANIFESTO
At Les Benjamins, we celebrate the intersection of sustainability and craftsmanship. Our annual Les Benjamins Craft Month is dedicated to spotlighting and rejuvenating traditional crafts, particularly those from the Near East, Middle East, and Far East, which deserve greater global recognition and help build cultural bridges.
In 2024, we honor a century of diplomatic relations between Japan and Türkiye. To celebrate this milestone, we have collaborated with master craftsmen from both nations. Together, we have created contemporary and traditional artworks that reflect this enduring friendship. These pieces will be exhibited at our Les Benjamins Nisantasi Flagship store, marking the start of a new chapter in Japanese-Turkish relations. The story of the ErtuÄŸrul Frigate, which sank off the coast of Japan in 1890, is a powerful symbol of this bond. Despite the tragic loss of over 500 sailors, 69 survivors were heroically rescued by Japanese villagers, solidifying the friendship between our countries.
In commemoration, we have created a medallion titled "The ErtuÄŸrul Friendship Medallion". This medallion symbolizes the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Türkiye and Japan, reminding us of the bravery and solidarity shown on that fateful day.
Our initiative is more than a celebration; it is about preserving and enhancing traditional crafts while embracing modern techniques. By working with artisans from Japan and Türkiye, we aim to blend heritage with innovation, respecting the past while looking to the future.
Les Benjamins acts as a catalyst between tradition and modernity, honoring traditional craftsmanship and exploring new design possibilities. Each year, we introduce fresh ideas and projects to support this vision, creating an environment where traditional and contemporary crafts can thrive together.
From Near East with Love;
Bünyamin Aydin
As part of the 1st Craft Week, an exhibition will take place at Les Benjamins Nişantaşı Flagship store. Talks and workshops will also be held at Soho House and Les Benjamins Nişantaşı Flagship store. Applications are open to everyone, but space for the talks and workshops is limited, and participants will be selected based on submitted applications.