He is the designer of the obverse of the commemorative coin themed “600th Anniversary of Turkish-Polish Diplomatic Relations”.
The designs were selected through a competition; Furkan Payas’s design was chosen for the obverse, and Özgür Soyyılmaz‘s for the reverse.
Both sides of the coin feature symbols of Poland and Türkiye. The obverse depicts tulips in the foreground, with a composition of the Mermaid of Warsaw (Warszawska Syrenka) holding a sword and shield against a backdrop of a horse, a bow & arrow.
This commemorative coin, minted by the Turkish Mint, is sold as a set with another commemorative coin produced by the Central Bank of Poland.
Diplomatic relations between Poland and Türkiye began in 1414 when King Ladislas Jagiello of Poland sent two envoys to Sultan Mehmed I. The Ottoman Empire is remembered favorably in Polish history for not recognizing the partition of Poland in the late 18th century by Prussia, the Habsburg (Austrian) Empire, and the Russian Empire. The Polish Central Bank’s currency features the royal seal of Ladislas Jagiello and the Tughra (Ottoman imperial seal). Their press release also highlight the milestones of historical friendship.
Furkan Payas graduated from Selçuk University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture in 2013.
He completed his Master’s degree in Sculpture at HBV University in 2019. Combining his academic sculpture education with contemporary digital sculpture practices, he reflects Pastiche, Parody, and Irony in his works.
He continues his artistic work at ARTEA SANAT Monumental Sculpture and Design workshop, of which he is a founding member. His sculptures, which he models digitally with ZBrush and then produces by casting in bronze or aluminum, can be seen on his Instagram page: instagram.com/furkanpayas
(We extend our deepest gratitude to the artist for their kindness in sharing images of their personal work.)
* Click here for other artists who designed Turkish coins from the Republican era.
