Yellow Mosque with Minaret and Trees, 1969

Yahia Turki (1903–1969) is widely recognized as a foundational figure in modern Tunisian art. Born in Tunis, Turki was of Turkish descent and played a pivotal role in shaping the visual arts scene in Tunisia during the 20th century. He is best known for his vibrant oil paintings, which often depict scenes of everyday Tunisian life, landscapes, and portraits, rendered in a style that bridges local traditions with European modernist influences. Turki’s work is characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a keen sensitivity to light, reflecting both his academic training and his engagement with the evolving artistic currents of his time.

Turki was a founding member of the "Ecole de Tunis," a collective that sought to develop a distinctly Tunisian modern art movement. His paintings have been exhibited in major institutions, including the National Museum of Modern Art in Tunis, and have featured in significant retrospectives highlighting the evolution of North African art. On the auction market, Yahia Turki’s works have appeared at reputable houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s, where his paintings have achieved notable results, underscoring his enduring legacy and the strong demand for his work among collectors of modern Arab art. Turki’s contributions continue to be celebrated for their role in articulating a modern Tunisian identity through art.