Zehra Tekeci and Emine Zehra Unal
10 November 2023•Update: 10 November 2023
ANTALYA, Türkiye
Russian artist Alexander Samsonov, renowned for his history and military-focused works, has included the founding father of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in his paintings.
Samsonov, born in Moscow in 1960 and currently living in Türkiye's Mediterranean resort province Antalya, told Anadolu that he admires Ataturk's military intelligence and foresight.
Having grown up surrounded by art as his father was also an artist, he started painting from an early age.
Samsonov worked at the Grekov Military Painters Studio following his art training, producing hundreds of works throughout his artistic career, including panoramic works, paintings on historical military subjects, and portraits.
His work is on display in museums and private collections around the world, including in Russia. He came to Türkiye in 2002 to work on dioramas and paintings of the "Canakkale Land and Sea Battles" in Anitkabir, Ataturk's Mausoleum.
Samsonov was awestruck by the Anitkabir atmosphere and studied the World War I Battle of Canakkale and the Turkish War of Independence, amazed by Ataturk's military and political genius.
The artist has contributed to works to various museums in Türkiye since then and draws attention with his works largely on the founding of the republic and Ataturk.
'I grew up surrounded by paint'
According to Samsonov, he grew up in an artistic family and started painting from a young age and has since developed a passion for art in various fields.
"I was born in an artistic family, I grew up surrounded by paints and hoops. I developed my skills in oil painting, graphic work, landscapes, sketches, and portraits.
"The source of inspiration in my works was my father, and I took his example in making paintings on historical and military subjects," he said.
Samsonov also added that, during his time in Moscow, he produced works of art on the leaders of countries like Russia and China.
He has painted all over the world and visited Türkiye first in 2002.
An exemplary leader: Ataturk
Samsonov said he learned more about the founding of Türkiye and its struggle for independence after starting his project in Anitkabir.
"After completing the Anitkabir project in 2002, my interest in Türkiye and Mustafa Kemal increased and I started to embrace them. After the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire, Ataturk founded the Republic of Türkiye with his military intelligence and determination."
The artist also emphasized that Ataturk founded the new Turkish state in 1923 under difficult conditions and that he was "internationally known with his admirable achievements."
"That's why I think he is a leader who deserves respect and should be taken as an example by everyone."
Over time, Samsonov began to include themes of the foundation of the republic and Ataturk in his works, and decided to settle in Antalya after his retirement.
While Samsonov, who lives in Antalya, continues to reflect his admiration for the Ataturk in his work, he recently dedicated an exhibition titled "100 Years of Republic from Liberation to Foundation," consisting of 47 works, most of which feature Ataturk, to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the republic on Oct. 29 this year.
