Artistic Birdhouses Bringing Compassion to Public Spaces
Turkish artist Naci Barışan, inspired by a poignant incident four years ago, has embarked on a mission to spread compassion and beauty through the creation of 1,000 exquisitely designed wooden birdhouses placed in various public spaces.
Motivated by a Heartfelt Experience
Working as a cultural and arts coordinator at Türkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs, Barışan was deeply moved to take action after witnessing a bird succumb to the cold in the courtyard of Ankara University’s Faculty of Medicine Hospital. “That moment left a lasting impact on me,” he expressed. “It motivated me to contribute something positive to the world.” Since then, Barışan has strategically installed his birdhouses in hospitals, nursing homes, parks, prisons, and mosques.
Blending Artistry with Heritage
Each birdhouse crafted by Barışan showcases a harmonious fusion of Ottoman and Anatolian motifs, aiming to captivate both the visual senses and the emotions. “I aspire for my birdhouses to evoke a sense of wonder and warmth,” he articulated.
The "School of Compassion"
Besides his artistic endeavors, Barışan established the "Merhamet Mektebi" ("School of Compassion"), where he imparts the skill of birdhouse-making to individuals. “Through this initiative, we educate young people on the importance of compassion and guide them through the creative process of constructing birdhouses,” shared Barışan.
Expanding Compassion Through Collaboration
Recently, Barışan engaged with 250 students in Tokat and has future plans to involve inmates and children in Sinop. His overarching vision extends far beyond artistry as he envisions producing one million birdhouses to distribute globally. “I firmly believe that kindness and empathy can be cultivated just as effortlessly as negativity permeates society,” he asserted.
Artistry Driven by Purpose
Barışan dedicates three to four hours to meticulously paint, adorn with motifs, and varnish each birdhouse, emphasizing that his labor stems from a place of passion rather than monetary gains. “Witnessing a glimmer of joy or instigating a moment of contemplation in others makes every exertion worthwhile,” he remarked. “However, I acknowledge that there is still a long journey ahead.”
Fostering Unity Through Art
In addition to his creative pursuits, Barışan finds fulfillment in uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs through shared values. “Establishing connections through art based on common principles is one of the most rewarding aspects of this odyssey,” he concluded.
