In the 44th International Nasreddin Hodja Cartoon Contest, which has been organized for 44 years without interruption and has attracted great interest worldwide, it has been determined that the cartoon awarded the grand prize bears a great similarity to a work previously published by another artist. Since this situation is incompatible with the basic principles and ethical values of the competition, the prize of the relevant artist has been canceled.

We apologize to the art community and the public for this situation.

In line with this development, the work ranked second in the competition has been deemed worthy of the grand prize. The other ranked works will be awarded in the same order.

Until today, the aim of our contest has been to support the art of cartooning, to build a bridge between the artists of the world, and to contribute to peace and friendship through the critical power of the art of cartooning. We will continue our work in this direction.

With our deepest regards

Mojmir Mihatov – Hırvatistan – Croatia (Cancelled)

Sajad Rafeei – İran – Iran