Mariya Ozturk: Whether we are celebrating together or apart, let us be kind and humble

published on 4/20/25 12:30 PM

Photo: Facebook /Mariya's Cakes & Art

Sugar artist Mariya Ozturk's latest masterpiece - a model of St Peter's Basilica in Rome - prompted us to reach out to our fellow Bulgarian during the bright holiday season. Though she’s been straddling life between Bulgaria and Istanbul for years, she continues to bring recognition to our country around the world, both as a contestant and as a judge in prestigious cake decoration competitions. At these events, she connects and exchanges experience with artists from all over the globe, building valuable relationships and friendships that inspire her creativity.

"What inspired me to make all my previous sugar models of landmark buildings, including St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which is probably one of the most visited places by tourists from all over the world, was an invitation to take part in international collaborations between sugar artists from different countries.

I am very happy because I am often invited to such events and the organiser of the last one was my colleague from Italy, Catia Guida. She chose the theme "Rome", an ancient city with such a great historical and architectural heritage. Since I have an affinity for modelling sugar buildings - I have already done the Bulgarian church in Istanbul St. Stephen and also my favourite church in Istanbul - St. Sophia. St Peter's Basilica in the Eternal City is my latest completed project."

A model of the Bulgarian church of St Stephen in Istanbul, known as the Iron Church.

Mariya's family is "religiously diverse" - her husband is Muslim, but they celebrate all Muslim and Christian holidays together. Her son Attila was brought up in this spirit. Mariya is convinced that building a bridge between religions, learning about another religion, can only enrich us and reduce our divisions, at least on religious grounds, which is extremely important in the difficult times we live in.

Bulgarian landmarks inspire sugar decorator Maria Ozturk

It may be a coincidence that she completed her sugar model of St Peter's on the eve of the Resurrection of Christ - celebrated this year on the same date, 20 April, by both Catholics and Orthodox - but it's a significant coincidence that carries an important message.

"These dates often coincide. I even remember a few years ago when one of the Bayrams coincided with both Catholic and Orthodox Easter. At that time, one of the big coffee brands in Turkey put up big posters wishing people well on all three holidays. Whether we celebrate together or separately, the most important thing is to be kind and humble. That's what Lent and Easter are really about. When our souls are at peace, it's reflected in our actions, our words and how we relate to others - whether it's our loved ones or the people we interact and work with every day."

In addition to competing and judging in international sugar art competitions, Maria organises her own international event. Previous editions of the "My Bulgaria" competition have taken place in Zlatograd, Momchilovtsi, and other locations across the country. This year, the competition will be held in her home town of Gabrovo. The municipality of this town - known as the Town of Humour and Satire and the birthplace of Pencho Semov, the so-called "Bulgarian Rockefeller" of the early 20th century - has invited Maria Ozturk to organize a "sugar festival" in honor of the town’s anniversary.

"Even the pandemic couldn't stop us, and since its establishment 9 years ago, we have held a real exhibition every year, in addition to a virtual presentation. This year's theme is the 165th anniversary of the founding of Gabrovo. Many fascinating projects by outstanding and award-winning Bulgarian sugar artists will be on display. The exhibition will feature buildings, elements of Gabrovo's unique sense of humour and figures of iconic local citizens."

"The exhibition, which will be part of a sugar art festival, promises to be very interesting. It will kick off on July 3 with workshops and the second edition of the Sugar Assembly for Children, ‘My Bulgaria’. On July 4, the exhibition dedicated to Gabrovo's anniversary will be opened, and on July 5, the gala dinner will take place, where the finalists of the online competition Cake Art Bulgaria will be awarded in a festive and celebratory atmosphere," sugar art master Maria Ozturk revealed in advance.