Mahir AKKAYA discovered a precious treasure in Antalya, Turkey. Paintings made of mosaics composed of small stones with natural colors, originating from the Holy Lands. These unique and invaluable works of art in Europe, and possibly the world, represent various themes, including religious, Byzantine, and Greco-Roman subjects. They were created a century ago by one of the most renowned artists of the Middle East, a reference in his time for the restoration of mosaics in religious and historical buildings.

Extraordinarily, Mahir AKKAYA was received in audience twice by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. The first time to personally hand over the painting “Jesus Bearing the Sacred Heart” to the Pope, and the second time, Mahir AKKAYA was invited by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican to receive a letter of thanks in person for his donation. This was a first: an official ceremony was organized in the presence of the Vatican communications service. Indeed, never before had Pope Francis had the opportunity to examine such a gift with his own hands. He chose to display it in the Paul VI Audience Hall, a prestigious and emblematic venue that can accommodate up to 12,000 people per day.

During the presentation of these works of art, Mahir AKKAYA was also welcomed by the highest dignitaries of the largest Christian pilgrimage sites in the world, where millions of pilgrims and visitors gather each year. He was personally received by the rectors, archbishops, and curators of museums from seven prestigious sites: the Vatican (Italy), the Sanctuary of Lourdes (France), the Cathedral of Saint James of Compostela (Spain), the Sanctuary of Fatima (Portugal), the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane (France), the Sanctuary of Mount Sainte-Odile (France), and the Basilica of Saint Laurent-sur-Sèvre (France).

These dignitaries also held these works of art in their hands to admire them closely. These paintings, of exceptional beauty and unique character, will be displayed in the seven holy sites mentioned earlier. This constitutes a remarkable exception, as, generally speaking, the responsible authorities of sanctuaries never allow the display of paintings, whether temporarily or permanently.

Furthermore, these works have been the subject of an official donation agreement. In an unprecedented move, the letter also specifies that the sanctuaries are now open to receiving additional paintings through patronage.

As a token of appreciation, these dignitaries presented him with letters of thanks as well as honorary medals for his donations. He is both happy and honored to know that millions of tourists and pilgrims can now admire these works. For him, this is the greatest form of thanks.

This initiative has inspired Mahir AKKAYA, who now invites everyone to participate in this unique achievement. By acquiring one of the works by the same artist, part of the collection of which is already displayed in the most prestigious places in the world, you contribute to preserving this heritage. These sanctuaries are also eager to receive other paintings. In this regard, you will enjoy a privilege if you decide to make a donation to one of these seven sanctuaries. Mahir AKKAYA will ensure the connection with each responsible party and will respect your choice, whether you prefer to allocate your donation to another location or keep this treasure in your own heritage. A rare and valuable opportunity.

The donations made by Mahir AKKAYA, recognized as a benefactor, have been warmly received at the Vatican as well as by the dignitaries of the religious sanctuaries. They have expressed their intention to receive additional paintings. He has thus communicated with his elected friends and religious leaders, who have shown their support for this initiative. During their meeting, His Holiness Pope Francis expressed the wish that these works continue to be displayed in other holy places or in the homes of believers and enthusiasts, a wish that is also dear to the artist.

His vision is supported by his many long-time friends, whether they come from the political world: ministers, members of parliament, MEPs, senators, as well as prominent religious figures such as: Pope Francis, bishops, archbishops, canons, and the President of the Grand Mosque of Strasbourg. All have endorsed this initiative and have sent him letters of support and recommendation, thus facilitating his access to all the dignitaries he met.

Such an initiative is unprecedented, as it had never been carried out in this form, thus giving this collection a unique and exclusive character.

Photos of the two audiences at the Vatican, as well as of the donations of paintings to the personalities of the seven holy sites, are illustrated on this site.

All correspondence, including letters of thanks, recommendation, and support from various personalities, is also available on the site.

All of this confidential information is secured on the site and can only be accessed after submitting a request through the contact form with Mahir AKKAYA.

Local, national, and international media (newspapers, television, radio, the internet…) have widely covered this exceptional approach. See below for the thematic press content or in the “press” section on the site.