The “February Exhibition of Fine Arts”, the 370th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, was opened by President Ersin Tatar at the Exhibition Hall of the Near East University Hospital. At the opening of the exhibition consisting of 40 artworks of 20 award-winning artists, President Tatar was accompanied by Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoğlu.

At the opening of the exhibition hosted by Founding Rector of Near East University, President Ersin Tatar, Director of Museums Department of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Near East University Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç delivered speeches.

President Ersin Tatar: “The Near East Enterprises, generates a new hope and a new excitement for our country with every project it implements, especially with our domestic car GÜNSEL”
President Ersin Tatar started his speech at the opening ceremony of the Fine Arts February Exhibition by emphasizing to hope. Stating that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is one of the countries that have best managed the pandemic process in the world, President Tatar pointed out that they are working by keeping their hopes up during the pandemic period and that the numbers and statistics reveal the success achieved in the fight against the pandemic. Ersin Tatar said, “We have come this far with our self-confidence, our healthcare professionals, our investments and innovations, and of course, with the support of the Republic of Turkey, and we have full faith that it will be even better from now on.” Ersin Tatar said that they will continue to walk into the future with hope.

Emphasizing that the Near East Enterprises foster this hope with the projects it has implemented, President Tatar said, “The Near East Enterprises, creates a new hope and a new excitement for our country with every project it implements, especially with our domestic car GÜNSEL.”

Congratulating all the artists whose works are in the exhibitions that instill hope in the society, President Tatar said, “This precious exhibition that we have opened includes the works of many artists from the Turkic Republic. We, as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, are walking this path with our friends, supporters and relatives by resisting the isolation and embargoes imposed on us by the whole world. Therefore, I would like to convey my greetings and love to all related republics. Because as people of the same culture, geography and ancestral lands, we continue to fight together. All these efforts make a great contribution to the continuation of our presence in this wide geography.”

Referring to the importance of artistic production in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, President Tatar said, “These opportunities offered by the Near East Family, the support and inspiration of our teacher Dr. Suat Günsel, are instrumental in the proliferation of these valuable works. While these works that shed light on the future are guiding us towards the future, the beauties that emerge give us pleasure, hope and emotion. It adds another meaning to the meaning of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. All of these are our core values, our own wealth. That’s why I’m really happy, I’m hopeful”.

President Ersin Tatar said in his speech, “Artists and painters, who are part of the Near East Family, are creating works that will be the symbols of the Turkish Cypriot People’s struggle for existence. This is our pride, this is what suits us. There are also extraordinary messages we give to the whole world from here. Despite all the difficulties, we will continue to exist despite the embargoes, isolations and restrictions. Because we have never lost hope, we will not lose, we will exist, we will succeed together”.

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul: “Cyprus Archeology Museum and Maritime History Museum will make a great contribution to the cultural and artistic environment of the country”
Director of Museums Department of Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said that the Fine Arts February Exhibition, which brings together 40 artworks of 20 award-winning artists, is the 370th exhibition of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “We are happy to present our exhibition, which brings together paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and prints made in various techniques and genres, with art lovers, even though it was delayed due to pandemic measures.”

Pointing out that the Near East Enterprises is leading the way in preserving works of art, realizing high-level spatial designs, and especially creating very competent museums, Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul also commented on the Cyprus Archeology Museum and the Maritime History Museum. “We have started studies to add the Cyprus Archaeological Museum to our existing museums in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. With this museum, we aim to bring a new perspective to the Turkish Cypriot community. In the meantime, as a result of the cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Teal, the pearl of the Near East Family, will be decorated as the Maritime History Museum. Cyprus Archeology Museum and Maritime History Museum will make a great contribution to the cultural and artistic environment of the country.

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç: “It is a great pleasure for us to bring our works together with art lovers again”
Near East University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Dean Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç started his speech referring to the verses of İlhan Berk: “I said to the porter that he would die with that load. He said, “Death is easy, you tell me about hope. If there is hope, load the Earth on my back…”

Prof. Dr. Aygenç said, “We are holding the exhibition opening planned in February today due to the pandemic conditions. We are longing for the exhibition openings where we came together for art. An artist’s wrist should not rust, his heart’s fire should not be put off, his hope, resistance and dreams should not be exhausted. In this process, we have continued to work for new exhibitions without losing our hope. It is a great pleasure for us to bring together the works bearing our signature with art lovers again.”

Prof. Dr. Erdal Aygenç made his speech as follows: “On behalf of our Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel, we hereby would like to express our deepest gratitude to the entire Günsel family.”