Conceptions of art have been shaped in various nations in different periods depending on the needs, either in an original way or by building on the foundations of traditions. The understanding of art that emerged in Gagauzia was synthesized on the basis of national folklore and classical art education given in art schools in the Soviet Republics at that time. The national art has been shaped by the cultural identity influenced by the relations with various peoples throughout history; the elements of oral folklore such as folk songs, tales, jokes, legends specific to Gagauz Turks and the original works of emerging writers in the context of Gagauz culture. The aim of this research is to shed light on the emergence process of Gagauz art and to analyze the works of some Gagauz artists who shaped the Gagauz national understanding of art after the 1950s in the context of national identity. Among the results of this study is that the works of Gagauz artists are important in terms of preserving the national identity consciousness and transferring cultural values.
Keywords: Gagauz Painters, Culture, Painting, Art