The “Fine Arts November Exhibition” consisting of 50 artworks made by 18 award-winning academics was opened at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall with the participation of President Ersin Tatar and Main Opposition Leader Tufan Erhürman.

The “Fine Arts November Exhibition” held by 18 award-winning academic artists of the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall.

The opening of the exhibition, which bears the traces of 19 civilizations that Cyprus has hosted throughout history, was also attended by the Main Opposition Party Chairman Tufan Erhürman, Culture Department Director Şirin Zaferyıldızı Zaimağaoğlu and Kyrenia University Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu.

The exhibition, which will be open to visitors free of charge until December 25, brings together 50 artworks consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints.

The opening speeches were made by President Ersin Tatar, Main Opposition Party Chairman Tufan Erhürman, Near East University President Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Fine Arts and Design Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç.

President Ersin Tatar: “Our struggle against the world with our art, science and education continues.”
Stating that art is the oldest language in human history, President Ersin Tatar said, “Artists are not only a reflection of their society, but also a tracer that shapes its future. They are the ones who build bridges between the past and the future.” Stating that we are in an era of strong communication, President Tatar said, “We live in such an era that we can instantly share what we see live here, in this exhibition hall, with people all around the world with a single click. This is a great opportunity that combines the power of art and the opportunities offered by technology.”

President Ersin Tatar also touched on the political embargoes experienced by the TRNC and said, “As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, our struggle against the world with our art, science and education continues. Near East University also undertakes a very important mission in this sense. All these works offer the opportunity to introduce our accumulation, culture and values ​​from the depths of human history to the world.”

Tufan Erhürman: “I envy artists, because no matter what, regardless of where they are, they can catch the opportunity to meet the world with what they produce.”
Starting his speech by saying “Being here today is a truly valuable experience for me,” Main Opposition Party Chairman Tufan Erhürman emphasized that art is good for people in many ways, both on society and individually. Stating that art is a boundless universal language and that the value of artists should be recognized, Tufan Erhürman said, “I envy artists, because no matter what, regardless of where they are, they can catch the opportunity to meet the world with what they produce.”

Emphasizing that Near East University is a creative and productive university in the field of arts as well as education and science, Erhürman said, “Near East University provides both its students and our society with a deep breath with the exhibitions it organizes and the artistic activities it carries out. Being here in an environment dedicated to art, making a different discovery each time deeply affects people.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This exhibition is a meeting point that reflects our culture, historical background and hopes for the future.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ started his speech by saying, “This exhibition is not just an art event, it is also a meeting point that reflects our culture, historical background and hopes for the future.” and said, “Each work bears the traces of the civilizations that shaped Cyprus, while at the same time strengthening our inspiration for the future.”

Stating that Near East University takes pioneering steps not only in art but also in science and technology, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As Near East University, we continue to shape the future with science while expressing our feelings through art.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ also said, “I invite you all to discover the stories behind these unique works, to understand the cultural heritage of Cyprus through the language of art, and to share this unique experience.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “Art has been one of the most powerful tools through which humanity has expressed its feelings, thoughts, and dreams since its existence.”
Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, said, “Art has been one of the most powerful tools through which humanity has expressed its feelings, thoughts, and dreams since its existence. Our exhibition not only offers an aesthetic experience, but also reveals the interdisciplinary richness of art and the combination of creative processes.” Stating that each work in the exhibition is the result of a masterfully crafted word and deep passion, Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç said, “As the Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts, we study hard with an understanding that aims to continuously improve not only our students but also ourselves.”

“Art should shape our behaviors, character, and feelings of justice and empathy; it should contribute to knowing ourselves, controlling ourselves, and elevating our respect for others and our actions. At the same time, it should make us sensitive and intolerant to cruelty, injustice and unfairness,” said Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç, emphasizing that art should make people better, fairer and more sensitive individuals.