The 39th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was celebrated with the “Republic Exhibition” organized by the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall. President Ersin Tatar, President of the National Assembly Zorlu Töre, Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy and Nicosia Deputy Ahmet Savaşan attended the opening of the exhibition, which brings together 50 works of 18 academician artists of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University.

At the opening of the exhibition, which took place with an intense participation, Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, Head of Museums Department of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul, President of the National Assembly Zorlu Töre and President Ersin Tatar made speeches respectively.

Being the 429th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, the Republic Exhibition, consisting of paintings, sculptures, stained glass, ceramics and prints, can be visited free of charge until 25 November.

Ersin Tatar: “Art works are the greatest treasures that carry the country, humanity and the entire history to the future.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Republic Exhibition, President Ersin Tatar said, “It is of particular importance for us to be present at this special exhibition held in honor of the 39th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

Emphasizing that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was not easily established and it was not easy to reach today, President Tatar said, “When you look at the Eastern Mediterranean today, we see an independent and free Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.” Reminding that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was accepted to observer status at the Organization of Turkish States summit held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, President Tatar said, “This success we have achieved as a country will help us take bigger steps in the coming days.” Responding to various criticisms and comments regarding this step, President Tatar said, “We are only trying to protect the independence of our people by strengthening our state and our Republic.”

Stating that the Near East University has created an important art atmosphere with artists from many countries, President Tatar said, “The works of the artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design bring us the history and culture of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the most beautiful way. Works of art are the greatest treasures that carry the country, humanity and the entire history to the future.” Referring to the participation of the domestic car GÜNSEL in the convoy at the ceremony held within the scope of the 15 November Republic Day celebrations, President Tatar said, “During the 39th anniversary celebrations of the Republic, our national pride GÜNSEL’s greeting people with its various colors had a much deeper meaning. That is, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a country that produces, develops and implements all its projects.”

Zorlu Töre: “As Atatürk stated, the Republic is the greatest holyday, the greatest artwork, the greatest treasure, and the greatest virtue.”
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition held in honor of the foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Zorlu Töre, President of the National Assembly of the Republic, emphasized that art and science are intertwined and said, “Art and science can take a country, a nation forward. All these works actually come together with art, love and science. The Near East University, on the other hand, brings all these works together with us today, with the importance it attaches to art and science.”

“As Atatürk stated, the republic is the greatest holyday, the greatest artwork, the greatest treasure and the greatest virtue.” Stating that the republic is the most beautiful administration style that suits the Turkish nation, President of the National Assembly Töre addressed the artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design and said, “It is a great pleasure for us that you, our esteemed artists, bring these precious works together with us. Good luck to your hands, eyes and all your efforts.”

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul: “The Near East University Hospital, which will be opened in Yeniboğaziçi on Monday, November 21, will also be a work worthy of the republic.”
Head of Museums Department of Near East Formation Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul stated that the “Republic Exhibition” is the 429th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and said, “As the Near East Family, we act with the awareness of our responsibility. We have been operating in many fields for 43 years to meet the needs of the Turkish Cypriot people and we will continue to do so.”

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “GÜNSEL, the source of pride of our country, greeted our people at the official parade celebrating the 39th anniversary of our Republic on November 15. GÜNSEL will run on the roads of the world very soon. The Near East University Hospital, which will be opened in Yeniboğaziçi on Monday, November 21, will also be a work worthy of the republic.”

Emphasizing that science and art are two indispensable elements in human life, Prof. Dr. Özkul said, “Art and science are products of human effort and are a source of light for the future. We hold art and science together so that young people who seek and question this light source grow up in a much better environment. We brought art and science together with everyone at every stage of the service and education provided in all institutions affiliated to the Near East Enterprises and we continue to bring them together. Because humanity will be remembered for its arts and works of art in the future.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “It is not possible for societies to make progress or find a place in the contemporary world without incorporating science and art into their lives .”
Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç started his speech by celebrating the 39th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Prof. Dr. Aygenç defined the Republic as “Republic is love, friendship, humanity, peace, reason, science, modernity. It is not possible for societies to make progress or find a place in the contemporary world without bringing science and art into their lives.”

Stating that it is imperative to have the power of science, education, technology and art, Prof. Dr. Aygenç emphasized that only in this way social, political, economic and cultural transformation can be realized.

Stating that all units of the Near East University and the Near East Enterprises are striving for art and science, Prof. Dr. Aygenç said, “Our domestic and national car GÜNSEL, which is the pride of all of us, all the museums, hospitals, libraries, programs we own and newly built, as well as all breakthroughs in science, technology, health, sports, culture and art are illuminated steps that will lead us and our country to a bright future.”