Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play brings traditional Turkish theater to Moscow

One of the most iconic forms of traditional Turkish theater, the Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play, is captivating audiences in Russia. An exhibition showcasing original puppets and scenes from the historical shadow play has opened at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow.

The exhibition features original Karagoz puppets crafted by Cengiz Samsun, a master artist recognized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a "Bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage." On display are intricate figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a rare glimpse into the enduring legacy of this theatrical tradition.

The traditional Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play

Diplomats, children, and art lovers gather at opening

The opening ceremony drew a wide array of guests, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgic and his wife Betul Aksoy Bilgic, museum director Ilya Zaytsev, as well as Russian and Turkish art lovers and children.

Following the exhibition launch, artist Cengiz Samsun performed a live Karagoz and Hacivat show, bringing the characters to life with his signature style. The performance, which combined humor, wisdom, and cultural commentary, left the audience mesmerized—especially the children.

The traditional Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play

'A universal Language': Turkish shadow theater resonates with Russian children

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Samsun expressed his surprise and pride at the enthusiastic response from Russian viewers: "This is the universal language of Karagoz. Russian children laughed, participated, and reacted just like Turkish children would. It was incredibly interactive, and the joy I felt is hard to describe."

Samsun also noted striking similarities between Karagoz and Russia’s traditional puppet figure, Petrushka.

"Children react to both characters in nearly the same way. That emotional connection bridges cultures."

The traditional Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play

'Karagoz is not just a puppet, it’s a philosophy'

Museum Director Ilya Zaytsev emphasized that the shadow play is more than just entertainment: "We want to show that Karagoz is not merely a fairytale—it’s connected to mysticism, Sufism, wisdom, and a deep understanding of life."

Ambassador Bilgic echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cultural richness of the art form: "Karagoz is where reality meets imagination, humor meets critique, and truth meets absurdity. He seems two-dimensional, but with light and shadow, he becomes a reflection of life itself."

Bilgic also emphasized the cultural closeness between Türkiye and Russia, pointing to the enthusiastic participation of Russian children as a symbol of shared human values.

The traditional Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play

Türkiye and Russia grow closer through culture

Reflecting on his time in Moscow, Samsun noted: "Historically, our societies have shared many similarities—in temperament, traditions, and social structure. This exhibition and the reactions it received made me believe that cultural ties between Türkiye and Russia can grow even stronger."

Samsun had previously visited Moscow last year at the invitation of Türkiye’s embassy. Due to popular demand, he returned this year to stage more performances and deepen cultural engagement.

Organized in collaboration with Türkiye’s Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Culture, and the Yunus Emre Institute—with Turkish Airlines as the sponsor—the exhibition is open to the public at the State Museum of Oriental Art until May 18.