In honor of the 30th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the “TURKSOY Photography Exhibition” opened in cooperation with the Near East University and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) at the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, with great participation at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition includes works that reflect the nature, history, architectural texture, human landscapes, culture and art of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The exhibition, which consists of works reflecting the unique beauties of the Turkic Republics of the most distinguished photographers of the Turkic world, will be open to visitors until November 15. The works will be included in the collection of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts after the exhibition.

President of the TRNC Ersin Tatar, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, Deputy Commander of the Security Forces Infantry Colonel Kadir Bayraklı, Minister of Health of the TRNC, TURKSOY Secretary General Düsen Kaseinov, artists, academics, and many guests attended the opening ceremony.

Before the opening, Near East University Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, TURKSOY Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri and President Ersin Tatar made speeches.

After the speeches, TURKSOY Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov presented gifts to President Ersin Tatar and Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel.

President Ersin Tatar: “I believe that at a near future, with the recognition of the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we will take our place as a permanent member of the Turkic Council.”
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, President Ersin Tatar stated that he was very happy to be at the opening of this meaningful exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the independence of the countries of Turkic nation. Emphasizing that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is also a part of the Turkic world as an independent country although it has difficulties in recognition, President Tatar said, “The Turkic republics gained their independence 30 years ago. We, as Turkish Cypriots, achieved our independence after great struggles. As a part of our rights to determine our own future, the Turkish Cypriot people also showed their will to maintain their sovereignty and existence under the umbrella of an independent republic. I believe that at a near future, with the recognition of the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we will take our place as a permanent member of the Turkic Council. Because our place is in the Turkic world.”

Stating that the Near East University represents the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the best way in the world, not only in academic and scientific terms, but also in the field of culture and art, President Tatar reminded that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts houses the works and exhibitions of many artists from the Turkic republics. Addressing to TURKSOY Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov, President Tatar said, “Not only today, we always remember you and strengthen our bond of love in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the representative of the Turkic world in the Mediterranean. I would like to thank Near East University Founding Rector Dr. Suat Günsel for strengthening of this bond with the artistic productions he hosted, and I also congratulate TURKSOY and all the artists who contributed to this exhibition.”

Ali Murat Başşeri: “When we look at the geography of our brother countries in terms of language and culture, it spreads over a wide area from the North Sea to the Balkans, Anatolia and China.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri stated that he was happy to take part in the event held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Turkish Republics, and said: “I am grateful to TURKSOY and Near East University for bringing this meaningful exhibition to Northern Cyprus, which is an inseparable part of the Turkish geography.”

Nicosia Ambassador Ali Murat Başceri said, “The geography bonding our hearts is very wide. Not only with the republics that have gained their independence with their administrative structures, but also in terms of language and culture, it spreads over a wide area from the North Sea to the Balkans, Anatolia and China.”

Stating that Turkic culture has become more well-known in the world thanks to the works carried out by TURKSOY, Ali Murat Başçeri said, “I hope that these activities will increasingly continue, and I believe that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will one day take its rightful place among those independent states and become a permanent member of the Turkic Council.”

Dusen Kaseinov: “Our common goal is to transfer our heritage, our culture, to future generations.”
Stating that the Turkic Republics celebrate their 30th anniversary of independence with various events throughout the year, TURKSOY Secretary General Dusen Kaseinov said, “With this exhibition, where you will see the photos of outstanding photographers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of independence with you. We are proud to share it.”

Reminding that they receive significant support from the Near East University as always, Kaseinov said, “Our common goal is to transfer our heritage, our culture, to future generations. We are working with all our strength to develop cultural and artistic relations between our countries.”
Expressing his happiness for bringing the 30th anniversary celebrations of the independence of the Turkic Republics to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus after the events in Turkey and abroad, Düsen Kaseinov said, “I would also like to thank Founding Rector of Near East University, Dr. Suat Günsel for all the events he hosted. On behalf of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, I sincerely thank all the institutions and organizations that give us strength and support by giving importance to the brotherhood between us.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Although they are on separate lands and have separate borders, the peoples of the Turkic republics that make up the Turkic world are a whole with a common essence and history.”
Saying that the Turkic Republics, which are connected to each other with strong ties through an ancient past and history and gained their independence 30 years ago, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Although they have separate borders and separate lands, the peoples of the Turkic Republics that make up the Turkic world are a whole with a common essence and history. The most important thing that will strengthen this integrity will arise from the cooperation to be made in the fields of culture, education and art.”

Reminding that Near East University and the International Organization of Turkic Culture, TURKSOY, signed a protocol including education, training and cultural cooperation in 2019, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “Near East University, which steadfastly continues its pioneering role in every field of existence; on the one hand develops science, art, culture and technology, which are the most important parts of the progress that will create the future, on the other hand continues to work and produce with the awareness that it represents not only itself and its country, but also the Turkic world in the international arena.

Stating that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts and the Near East University Rectorate premises are surrounded by sculptures symbolizing 14 Turkic Republics and Turkic nations, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “The collections of our Cyprus Modern Art Museum, bringing together the works of artists from the Turkic Republics and Turkic nations as well as the other artistic productions it hosts, have opened a very valuable space integrating the Turkic world and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and is a center that announces and promotes Turkic culture and art to the whole world.”