About

Who is Bekir Salim?
Bekir Salim is a Turkish artist, poet, singer, columnist, and TV-radio broadcaster. Born in Erzurum, Turkey, in 1964, Salim joined the Turkish army as an Infantry Lieutenant in 1986. After serving for 12 years, he voluntarily retired from the army in 1997

Salim grew up with art, music, and poetry since he was 6. Winner of several awards in painting and poetry in nationwide contests in Turkey, Salim has served as a judge in a number of competitions, including the Konya Ashiks Festival with other masters of music for seven years in a row, an experience he holds most dear. He was also on the same board of judges as George Zamfir, one of the world’s best living musicians, known as the Master of the Pan Flute, who composed the famous “The Lonely Shepherd.”

Bekir Salim writes satirical poems. His Taş Üstünde Taş (Rock over Rock) is the title of his two-volume poetry book. He has at least ten more unpublished literary works.

In 2014, Bekir Salim served at the Turkish Parliament’s Committee of Culture and Art, and while serving there, he painted three giant wall pictures, including the 15,000 sq. ft panoramic “Anatolian Civilization Road” picture in the parliament building.

Salim has produced more than 500 indoor and outdoor wall paintings mostly in Istanbul, Turkey, and also in the US, Europe, and Dubai.

Now working with Bekir Salim Art, Mr. Salim is now painting the portraits of 100 individuals who have contributed to our world in a positive way as a part of a three-volume biographical work. The first volume will be published soon.

Mr. Salim is also developing a project for a theme-based panoramic museum titled “History of Religions and Prophets” that will feature events in the lives of all Prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them. The first step to this museum is “33 Muslim Pioneers in Science and Art Exhibition,” which Salim is hoping to complete soon.

Salim speaks French and little English. He is married with three children and four grandchildren.