One of the most important works of the first Turkish Cypriot sculptor, Şinasi Tekman, took its place in the Museum of Modern Art of Cyprus.

The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which was founded at the Near East University and which will include important works of painters from 14 Turkic States, will be opened on 27 September with a ceremony. A very important work of Şinasi Tekman, known as the first sculptor of the Turkish Cypriot society, was donated to the museum by his son, journalist-author Ali Tekman, and presented to the founding Rector of Near East University, Suat İ.Günsel, on behalf of the museum.

The wooden sculpture crafted by the first Turkish Cypriot sculptor, Şinasi Tekman, who died in 2005, known for his sculptures carved in wood, was donated as a gift to the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts.

According to the press info released by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, emotional moments have been experience at the time of donation of the wooden sculpture to the museum by Ali Tekman, the son of Şinasi Tekman.

Ali Tekman; "This initiative of Near East University which will add value to the universal values of art is a praiseworthy."

Tekman said, "I am very excited about the project of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts initiated by the Near East family, and I am sure that if my father was alive, he would be very enthusiastic and happy about the fact that his works would take place amongst the dearest artists in every field of the world through this museum.

"The greatest artist is nature, and I only contribute to the material that she presents us on behalf of art and then I present it out for appreciation of humanity..."
Tekman said "This initiative of the Near East University will add value to the universal values of art and is a praiseworthy attemtp. When the complex of the museum is completed, the scene will be very spectacular ... My father used to say that "the greatest artist is nature and I only contribute to the material that she presents us on behalf of art and after reshaping it, I present it out for appreciation of humanity..."

Ali Tekman expressed his gratitude to the Near East University, Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel and to those who contributed to this great project for, and wished every success to the Near East Family.

Dr.Suat İ. Günsel: "A new window is opening to the world of art"
Dr. Suat İ.Günsel said that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which will be a new art stop for art lovers and will take an important role in increasing the values given to the artists, will contribute integration of community with art.

Günsel said "Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts is a project that will connect both our past and future and our thoughts and feelings. The museum, which will play an active role in introducing the Turkish Cypriot art to the country and to the world, will provide the public and the artists with opportunities to promote the Turkish Cypriot arts and to present their own works of art.

Dr. Suat Günsel said "In this respect, the NEU Car Museum, Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, Maritime Museum and National History Museum will all be gathered in the same area and serve to our people...

The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which will be opened on September 27, 2018, will open its doors to art-lovers between 09.00-18.00, six days a week, except Monday.

Who is Şinasi Tekman?
Şinasi Tekman was born in 1933 in the village of Arçoz (Yiğitler) in Cyprus. The father of Tekman was Ali Mehmet Carcuni (Berber) and his mother Mrs. Şifa. He attended primary school in the village and conducted his middle and high school education in Nicosia as a boarder.

Between 1950-1952, Tekman published his first literary work in the "Çığ-Avalanche" magazine published by the Turkish High School students and in 1952 he passed the Teachers College examination. In 1954, Tekman was appointed as a primary school teacher.

In 1955, he was appointed to the Primary School of Paphos and in 1956 to Lefke Primary School.

He studied crafts at King Alfred's College in Winchester, England between 1956-58. After completing his education in the UK, he continued to teach at a secondary school in 1959, and until 1968 he worked as a teacher, deputy headmaster, and headmaster at Lefke Gazi High School.

In 1959, he opened his first fully equipped ceramic workshop at the Lefke Technical High School which was the first in the Turkish schools. Between 1963 and 1967, he also served as a Mujahideen while teaching for the Lefke Gazi High School.

In 1968, he was appointed to the British College which was then named Turkish Maarif (Education) College. From 1958 onwards, he used the olive trees, wooden materials dragged through the rivers, sea waste wood fragments, wastes of wood from forest fires, and burnt tree stumps to craft his works.

Tekman was also known for his poetry. His poems and stories were published in magazines such as "Çardak-Pergola" and "Çevre-Environment”. Şinasi Tekman, who opened many mixed and personal exhibitions throughout his life, passed away in 2005.