The “Fine Arts March Exhibition”, prepared exclusively for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 21 award-winning academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall. The exhibition will be open to visitors free of charge until April 20. The exhibition brings together 50 works consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stained glass and printmaking.

At the opening ceremony of the 457th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, President Ersin Tatar, Rector of Istanbul University Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, İnönü University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kızılay, Bingöl University Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak, Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç made speeches.

Ersin Tatar: “While we continue our existence in the TRNC, which is not recognized but have to be recognized, we carry the values represented by civilization, modernity and brave people into the future.”

Emphasizing that art and science at Near East University have reached the world effectively despite the isolations and embargoes suffered by the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar said, “Art is a reflection of life, culture, modernity and the sense of universality. It is pleasing to see that many artists from all over the world work at Near East University. I would like to thank the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts for this valuable exhibition.”

Addressing the rectors of Istanbul University, İnönü University and Bingöl University in his speech, President Tatar said, “I would like to thank the esteemed rectors of the distinguished universities of the motherland for being among us to share these beauties.”

Stating that he will meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations next week, President Tatar said, “In this meeting, I will once again explain the rights, laws and noble struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people. I will once again shout with a strong voice that the developed countries of the world contradict their own values and condemn these embargoes they impose on our youth.”

President Ersin Tatar said, “I would like to thank all the artists who created today’s works and showed that we are a part of universality by bringing them to us today.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Universities are the intersection of science and art.”

Stating that art and science play an important role in social progress, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “While science increases the quality of life of humanity through new discoveries and technological advances, art contributes to the development of emotional richness, aesthetic satisfaction and cultural understanding.”

Emphasizing that universities are the intersection of science and art, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “While universities encourage technological and scientific progress by supporting scientific research, they also meet the aesthetic and emotional needs of society by preserving and reproducing art and culture.”

Reminding that Near East University is the most preferred university in the TRNC in University Placement Exam, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As Near East University, our greatest strength is our competent staff, our strong infrastructure, our culture of working together and our understanding of student-oriented education. With this understanding, our educational programs implemented with innovative technology provide our students with a rich learning experience and strengthen their trust in our university.” Underlining that Near East University hosts more than a thousand scientific events every year, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “In 2023, our number of international scientific articles reached 1,760 and we continue to share our research outputs with the scientific world through these publications.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, reminding that Near East University is at the top of the rankings of many higher education rating organizations such as AD Scientific Index, ShangaiRanking, US News Reports, especially Times Higher Education and METU URAP, said “TRNC is included in the “METU URAP’s 2023-2024 World University Rankings” “As the best university in TRNC”, and we are among the top 10 universities in Turkey.”

“We put the culture of collaboration, which we have grown with our international collaborations, including the well-known universities of Turkish higher education, at the center of this productivity and efficiency.” said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and added; “While I reiterate my belief that the cooperation protocols we signed with the esteemed rectors of Istanbul University, İnönü University and Bingöl University who are among us today will make a great contribution to this effort, I would like to thank my esteemed colleagues once again.”

Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar: “The idea of creating a common life and civilization develops faster when combined with art.”

Istanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar started his speech by saying, “Art exists in every corner of life and a life without art is unthinkable.”

Stating that the main goal of universities is the aim is to minimize the distance between science and society by carrying knowledge to all corners of society, Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar said, “In this context, universities discover talented individuals, support them and present them to the society. The purpose of universities is not only to produce and transfer knowledge, but also to contribute to the common future of humanity by presenting this knowledge for the benefit of society. Therefore, the role of universities is not limited to academic accumulation, it also includes the responsibility to lead and inspire society culturally, socially and economically.”

Stating that they appreciate and closely follow Near East University’s productions in the fields of art, science and education, Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar underlined that universities, which have a deep-rooted history, significantly affect the coexistence of societies and the development of civilization. Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar said, “The idea of creating a common life and civilization develops faster when combined with art. I believe that universities in the TRNC will continue to enrich the art world by hosting students, as they do now.”

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kızılay: “We are aware that there are works of art in well-established universities, but it is necessary to appreciate the leadership of Near East University in this field.”

İnönü University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kızılay also stated that he observed that the Near East University campus has an atmosphere intertwined with art and that today’s exhibition contributes to this atmosphere. Prof. Dr. Kızılay emphasized that this contribution provides great benefit not only to the university, but also to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to the field of higher education around the world.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kızılay said, “We are aware that there are works of art in many well-established universities. However, it is necessary to appreciate the leadership of Near East University in this field. Near East University attaches special importance to its participation in all areas of life, especially art and education, and makes efforts in this direction. I congratulate all the artists who contributed and appreciate everyone who contributed to the creation of this art-filled atmosphere.”

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak: “I would like to emphasize that these studies have a significant impact not only for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but also for Turkey in general.”

Emphasizing the achievements of Near East University in the fields of education, arts and science, Bingöl University Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak stated that taking part at the opening of the 457th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts was a source of great happiness for him and his delegation.

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak said, “Near East University’s organization of approximately 500 exhibitions represents an extremely important success in terms of disseminating art and culture. I would like to emphasize that these studies have a significant impact not only for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but also for Turkey in general.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “The works contain a richness that reflects the artist’s unique personality, perspective and emotional depth.”

Emphasizing that it reduces the stress and anxiety of daily life, Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “This process can sometimes be challenging, like birth or a painful experience. However, artists always find a unique way to express themselves in this painful process.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç stated that the basic elements of art are elements and that the techniques used by artists in creating their works may differ and said, “Works contain a richness that reflects the artist’s unique personality, perspective and emotional depth. These works not only offer a visual experience, but also express the artist’s spiritual journey, creativity and aesthetic understanding.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “The artist-academics of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design work without compromising on quality in the group exhibitions they organize every month for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. This kind of concentration of exhibitions is unique in the world. We are proud and happy to be a part of this great movement, breathless marathon and unique formation.”