The “Wings of Cyprus” photography exhibition, consisting of 100 photographs and 32 poems that bring together the elegance of Cyprus nature and the depth of poetry, was opened by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, at the Near East University İrfan Günsel Congress Center Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition that will be open to visitors free of charge on May 28 consists of bird photographs taken by Elçin Yoldaşcan in Cyprus. In the exhibition, the poems written specifically for these photographs by Tijen Zeybek take art lovers on a unique art journey.

Opening speeches of the 459th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts were performed by Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and artist Prof. Dr. Elçin Yoldaşcan. After the speeches, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the artists by Minister Sadık Gardiyanoğlu.

Sadık Gardiyanoğlu: “The works in this exhibition do not just offer a visual feast, they also represent the rich cultural heritage of TRNC and the values ​​that will be passed on to future generations.”
Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu, who started his speech by reminding that he also graduated from Near East University, said, “I graduated from Near East University. I am happy to be at the opening of the 459th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts today.”

Stating that Near East University is open to innovation and a pioneer in every field, Minister Sadık Gardiyanoğlu said, “Near East University does not just give a diploma. It also leads in education, art and health.” Minister Gardiyanoğlu said that he adopted and implemented the philosophy of “rooting” and “living like a continental on the island” put forward by Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat İrfan Günsel in every aspect of his life, especially in politics, and said, “This valuable exhibition that we are opening today is a product of this philosophy. It combines the natural beauties of our island with art and passes them on to future generations. I would like to thank our esteemed artists who contributed to this art event.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “While we observe the fascinating nature of Cyprus through the lens of Elçin Yoldaşcan, Tijen Zeybek’s words will touch our souls.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “This valuable exhibition consists of bird photographs taken in Cyprus by Elçin Yoldaşcan, an esteemed public health professor with whom I had the opportunity to work during the pandemic period. The exhibition is enriched with the poems of Assist. Prof. Dr. Tijen Zeybek, who is an important value of our country with her intellectual knowledge and productivity and with whom I am honored to be under the roof of the same university. While we observe the fascinating nature of Cyprus through Elçin Yoldaşcan’s lens, Tijen Zeybek’s words will touch our souls.”

“While women manage 10 of the 20 dean positions at Near East University, women constitute 50 percent of our academic staff, 67 percent of our administrative staff and 53 percent of the students.” said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, and added; “This exhibition, which brings together Elçin Yoldaşcan’s art and Tijen Zeybek’s literary touch, once again reminds us of the power of not only art but also women. I would like to thank our two esteemed female academics for sharing their productions powered by art as well as their scientific studies.”

Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also announced that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will allocate a special area for photographs of all bird species in Cyprus.

Prof. Dr. Elçin Yoldaşcan: “Nature is a whole with its colors and birds are one of the most beautiful details of these colors.”
Speaking at the opening of her personal photography exhibition “Wings of Cyprus”, Elçin Yoldaşcan said: “Nature photography really requires a great effort and a different perspective on nature. Moreover, our models do not pose for us, it takes hours to establish a dialogue with them and capture their most beautiful appearance. Therefore, when examining the photographs in the exhibition, please do not look at them one-dimensionally, notice nature and see the inspiration we get from nature.”

Elçin Yoldaşcan said, “Nature is a whole with its colors and birds are one of the most beautiful details of these colors. Not making an effort to destroy or protect birds will cause nature to lose its colors.” Yoldaşcan also thanked Tijen Zeybek for enriching her exhibition with her poems. Yoldaşcan said, “As dear Tijen Zeybek always says, if there is a weight on your shoulders, let it be a camera, not a gun. Let’s work to immortalize birds and our natural beauties, not to kill them.”