The doctoral thesis project investigates the relationship of Ottoman miniature painting and contemporary art with regard to discourses of cultural and educational policy and society within a Turkish context. Starting with a paradigm shift in the course of modernisation policy and introduction of a western art concept in the founding years of the Republic of Turkey, this research examines whether or not elements of a traditional language of imagery is relevant in contemporary art practice at the beginning of the 21st century. How, if at all, is miniature painting used as a trope in critical strategies of appropriation, collage, citation or traditional replica in contemporary art? Which social lines of conflict can be identified when looking at miniatures? Selected works from artists such as Gülsün Karamustafa, CANAN and Cansu Çakar will be analysed and discussed based on current debates regarding tradition and modernity, (neo-)orientalism, (neo-)Ottomanism, nationalism and conservatism in the context of postcolonial discourses.