"Turkey Printmaking Artists Exhibition" consisting 50 artworks exclusively made for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts by 5 academicians artists from Turkey opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu.

According to the press information given by the Near East University Press and Public Relations Directorate, the opening of the exhibition was held at the Faculty of Communication Exhibition Hall and Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu. Founding Rector Suat İrfan Günsel, Rector of the French University of Lebanon Mohammad Sadik, Assistant to Founding Rector Tümer Garip, vice-rectors, deans, lecturers, artists and invited guests attended to the opening ceremony.

At the opening of the exhibition, Vice Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Sadıkoğlu, Özkan Köse from the Turkey Printmaking Artist and Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoğlu gave a speech.

Cyprus Modern Art Museum, which is the first art pearl of Northern Cyprus, will be a source of spiritual pride...
Vice Rector Dr. Fahrettin Sadıkoğlu stated that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts opened the 22nd exhibition and now more than thirty artists from 4 different countries are carrying out workshops in the TRNC.

Emphasizing that the projects of the Near East University are of great importance for Cyprus, Prof.Dr. Dr. Sadıkoğlu, reminded that especially the Near East Hospital contributes to the increase in the number of tourists visiting Cyprus.. Prof. Dr. Sadıkoğlu said, “People go on holiday to places where health is guaranteed. In this respect, the hospital has a great importance for our country".

Prof. Dr. Sadıkoğlu in his speech mentioning about the examples of museums such as the Élysée Palace in France, the Louvre Museum, Hermigate Museum in St. Petersburg, said "In Cyprus Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and other nations lived and vanished. There are works made by all of them and the tourists coming to the TRNC are told about who made the works when they visit the historical places of Cyprus. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts is the first art pearl of TRNC. And, while the tourists visiting this place someone will tell them that a Cypriot has founded this museum. In this respect, the museum will be a source of spiritual pride for the country in the future".

Prof. Dr. Sadıkoğlu stating that the printmaking art is the oldest art form which was brought in Turkey in the 17th century and said that this art was brought forward by the younger generations, pointed out that the artworks have been made in the TRNC will be valued even after centuries.

"We are happy to be at a place valuing art and making investments..."
Özkan Köse spoke on behalf of the printmaking artists of Turkey and said "The works you see here are the works of our young, talented colleagures. We are very pleased to see the initiatives made in the name of art, to encounter breakthroughs and to be here. We have enjoyed a lot while studying, I hope you will also enjoy watching the works. The exhibitions are the only platforms where artists can appreciate their efforts. We would like to thank Suat Günsel and the Near East University for providing us with such an opportunity".

Minister of Tourism and Environment Ataoğlu: The exhibitions will be an important archive for the art of our country...
The Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, who celebrated the Near East University for giving such a value to art and artists, added that the works of artists will enrich the art of our country and will make an important archive.

Minister Ataoğlu said, "Turkey Printmaking Artists Exhibition is an event where the message of friendship, brotherhood, unity and togetherness was given. It is important that this message was given from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

Minister Ataoğlu said that a decision was made to introduce and promote the TRNC in Turkey in every province of Turkey and the objective is voicing the existence of Turkish Cypriot people. Ataoğlu said "While these important steps are being taken by the artists from the Near East University, we have the chance to announce our voice from the TRNC. Art is to be able to see that no one can see, and to reflect after imagining that no one can imagine.

Minister Ataoğlu, stating that the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts has brought together the artists coming from Turkic countries and from Turkey, emphasized that many precious artworks created and presented through exhibitions, and this is very important, Fikri Ataoğlu, expressing his hopes to move forward the values of the exhibitions, said he excitedly is awating for the coming exhibitions.

Exhibition Ribbon was cut and exhibition was visited...
After the speeches, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu presented the certificates of appreciation to artists and cut the ribbon to open the exhibition. The exhibition will remain open until 24 April 2019.