Organized jointly by the University of Kyrenia, the Near East University and Rahmi Koç Museum, the Unknown Aspects of Çanakkale Naval War Exhibition was opened in Istanbul four months ago within the scope of the 100th anniversary events of Canakkale Victory (Dardanelles Naval Victory) and Martyrs’ Day. Since its opening, the exhibition was visited by 131, 469 native and foreign visitors.

According to the press info released by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of the Near East University, the exhibition, which is a first of its kind and held in Turkey by TRNC within the scope of the 100th anniversary events of Canakkale Victory (Dardanelles Naval Victory) and Martyrs’ Day, was flocked by thousands of native and foreigner visitors during summer. Alongside thousands of tourists visiting Istanbul from different countries of the world, many Turkish visitors including young people, who are willing to deepen their knowledge in the light of intellectual and visual artifacts, visited the exhibition.

Delivering an explanation on the issue, Near East University Board of Trustees Chairman Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel, underlined the commitment of the University of Kyrenia and Near East University in continuing to take concrete steps towards shaping the future in the light of scientific studies. Günsel highlighted that the exhibition of Unknown Aspects of Çanakkale Naval War was one of the most meaningful, the most significant and the most emotionally charged examples of their mission aimed at staking a claim on the historical heritage. He also voiced his pride and honor as the exhibition was visited by tens of thousands people in four months.

Highlighting the importance of conducting projects reflecting sensitivity, creativity and loyalty of islanders as their indispensable and leaving an “islander” mark as well as creating sensitivity and awareness at international platforms on such an important victory that changed the course of history, Günsel stated that the University of Kyrenia and Near East University organize various events annually in TRNC to commemorate Çanakkale martyrs and celebrate Canakkale Victory (Dardanelles Naval Victory). “These activities are very significant and precious in terms of demonstrating the respect and devotion of Turkish Cypriots to Çanakkale spirit. In this regard, we, as the University of Kyrenia and Near East University, have realized a first and opened this exhibition in Turkey. This exhibition is amongst the most significant and the most emotionally charged events that organized to strengthen the historic ties with Turkey as well as to demonstrate the existence of TRNC to the entire world. Tens of thousands of people from different cultures of the world visited this important exhibition in the first four months. This is a source of pride for us as it is a significant indicator showing that we are taking proper steps towards our mission “leaving an islander mark in the world by realizing outstanding projects that make overwhelming impression worldwide” said he.

Unknown Aspects of Çanakkale (Dardanelles) Naval War Exhibition will be open to visitors in Rahmi M. Koç Museum till March 2015. The collection of exhibition is composed of original paintings of renowned artists, Iznic tiles, ship models, dioramas, roll-up posters, engravings, antique objects, replicas, costumed mannequins, animations, maps, sanjak and pennants.