One of Türkiye’s leading kite artists, Zahit Mungan joins forces with XO Cape Arnna to reimagine the sky this season. From his childhood memories in Mardin to large-scale kite installations and the upcoming XO Cape Arnna Kite Festival series, Mungan speaks about wind, imagination and turning kites into a form of artistic expression.
There’s a sense of both play and craftsmanship in your kites. What first drew you to this world?
My relationship with kites began in childhood. Before I had even started school, I was making simple nylon kites like everyone else around me. But what truly fascinated me was seeing an object come alive through the wind once it reached the sky. Looking up at the sky in Mardin always felt magical to me. Over time, that feeling evolved from play into craftsmanship.
How has your creative language evolved over the years? What would you say is the most noticeable change in your work today?
In the beginning, I focused on more classical forms and traditional models. As I continued researching, I discovered different kite cultures from around the world and gradually began to develop my own visual language. Today, the biggest shift in my work is that I no longer see kites simply as toys, but as a form of artistic expression capable of carrying stories and culture.
You’ve flown kites across different geographies. Is there such a thing as the “right” sky for a kite?
Every sky has its own spirit. The wind by the sea is different from the wind across the plains, and the sky above a historic city carries a completely different feeling. But for me, the right sky for a kite is wherever people feel excitement while watching it fly. Even so, the skies of Mardin will always hold a special place in my heart.
Could you tell us about the beginning of your collaboration with XO Cape Arnna? What does this partnership mean to you?
Our paths crossed through a shared appreciation for design and original craftsmanship. Bringing the aesthetic and free-spirited nature of kites into a different setting became a very special experience for me. The setting of XO Cape Arnna also offers ideal conditions for flying kites and hosting events, thanks to its winds and expansive beach.
The Kite Festival series taking place on 29 May, 5 July, 2 August and 23 August as part of the XO Cape Arnna collaboration has already attracted attention. How do you feel about continuing this partnership into the new season and about these special dates?
Seeing this collaboration continue into the new season genuinely makes me very happy. Sharing the same vision with a brand like XO Cape Arnna is incredibly valuable to me. Throughout the 2026 season, the Kite Festival series, taking place on 29 May, 5 July, 2 August, and 23 August, will offer more than just events. Each gathering will present its own story and reflect the spirit of summer through a unique experience.
The sustainability of collaborations like this is very important because each season creates an opportunity to build on what came before. With new ideas, new designs and evolving experiences at every event, I believe this partnership will grow into something even more inspiring.
Lumi is already a character with its own world. How did you approach bringing it into the sky?
Lumi already has a warm, curious and imaginative energy. While bringing the character into the sky, I wanted to preserve that feeling. I didn’t want Lumi to exist simply as a figure, but as something alive and moving in the air. My aim was to let Lumi’s joy become visible through the wind.
How do you balance aesthetics with technical requirements when transforming a character into a kite?
A kite cannot rely on appearance alone. It has to remain balanced in the air and move with the wind in the right way. That’s why I first protect the character’s spirit, then transform it into a structure that can truly fly. In many ways, a kite is about balance.
How does creating something that works with the wind affect your sense of control?
The wind always teaches humility. No matter how well prepared you are, nature has the final say. In that sense, making kites also teaches you to let go of control. I may hold the string, but the kite will always seek its own freedom.
Can you describe your feelings during Lumi’s first flight on 24 April, and the reaction from the audience?
Lumi’s first flight was a deeply emotional and exciting moment for me. Seeing something you’ve devoted so much effort to come alive in the sky brings a kind of happiness that’s difficult to describe. Watching people respond with surprise, joy and admiration made the moment even more meaningful.
Does being involved in projects that connect with children change your motivation to create?
Absolutely. The excitement in children’s eyes is incredibly pure and real. Seeing the sense of wonder they feel while watching a kite inspires me to keep creating. Sometimes, changing the way a child looks at the sky can be one of the most meaningful things you do. At the same time, kite-making also helps develop children’s hand skills and motor abilities. When their kite finally rises into the sky, their confidence grows with it.
Looking back today, what still drives you to create?
Whenever I look at the sky, new ideas still come to mind. The question “What else can fly?” has never left me. For me, kites are an endless space for imagination. As long as my hands continue to work, I want to keep sending new kites into the sky.
For me, kites represent freedom, passion and the wind.
