The matter problem in Turkish painting in inital years of republic (1923-1950)

`Form? and `meaning? are the main elements of art. Their separately rolesand their relations to each orher for defining the artistic expression have always beena matter of art.After Republic of Turkey established in 1923, renovations and changes inTurkish social structure through the western culture and science have been increased.During this period and within this cultural atmosphere developments in Turkishpainting have been bolder.Through the cultural policy of government, young artists have been sent towestern art capitals where they learned modern art and new formal tendencies.Following their return to Turkey they have introduced modern painting which ismostly `formal? through the activities and exhibitions organized by state and by theirown. On the other hand, State?s expectation from art was `meaning? through therecent Independence War and revolutions.Nevertheless, the gap between the young artists `formal? attitude to thepainting and state?s expectation of `meaning? has been fulfilled by both the state andthe artists. Turkish painting during the first years of Republic era has developed as aresult of this relations between the artists and state.