Two solo exhibitions that feature paintings reflecting the extraordinary visions of Kazakh artists Sagin Abzalov and Yasbi Agitayev were opened by TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy.

The Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University released that the opening ceremony of two solo exhibitions was realized at Atatürk Culture and Congress Center with the participation of Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy, Founding Rector Dr. Suat İ. Günsel, vice Rector Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ, directors of the graduate schools, deans, faculty members, artists and guests.

The opening remarks of the exhibitions were delivered respectively by NEU vice Rector Professor Tamer Şanlıdağ, Kazakh artists Sagin Abzalov and Yasbi Agitayev and TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy.

Drawing attention to the crucial role of art in adding color and vividness to social life and contributing to the development of the society, Professor Şanlıdağ underlined Near East University's commitment to continuing to work and produce for the benefit of the society.

“Within this week, 7 group and 12 solo exhibitions consisting a total of 438 distinguished artworks created exclusively for the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts were opened. These distinguished artworks, which reflect the extraordinary visions of artists from 8 different countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Belarus, Kosovo, Germany and Lithuania, are still on display for the art lovers. And today, we are together at the solo exhibitions of Sagin Abzalov and Yasbi Agiyev. Kazakh artist Sagin Abzalov's solo exhibition consists of 14 paintings depicting the history of old features and defeats as well as the great migration history of his ancestors. Kazakh artist Yasbi Agiyev's solo exhibition features 17 paintings depicting Kazakh traditions and future dreams. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to them on behalf of our University” noted he.

Unity in Language, Idea, Art and Culture...
Expressing that Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts project has been designed to serve as a bridge extending from Central Asia to the Mediterranean, Professor Şanlıdağ said: "This Bridge brings together all Turkic Republics and relative communities and Turkey in our geography. Thanks to this project, unity in idea, unity in art and unity in culture have been realized so far. I am sure that unity in language will also be ensured by time on these lands via Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts".

October 29 Republic Day, the Mark of Priceless Freedom...
"Tomorrow is October 29 Republic Day. It is a distinguished day that marks soul of resistance and priceless freedom. On the 96th anniversary of the Republic Day, we commemorate the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his fellow fighters with respect and gratitude. We, Turkish Cypriots, gained our freedom thanks to our motherland Turkey. Now, we live in an independent, safe and peaceful country. This is a priceless asset. Even today, this great longing is expressed by many Turkic states. Don't forget the Turkmens, the Uighurs and the Kosovars” noted he.

Sagin Abzalov; “Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts will gather and unite the Turkic world and its peoples..."
Greeting the attending body, Kazakh artist Sagin Abzalov expressed his feelings and views: "Welcome to my exhibition. I would like to express my happiness of seeing you here. The Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts that built on the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus not only serves as a bridge to gather and unite the Turkic world and its peoples, but also provides the artists with opportunity to meet old friends, build up new friendships and share life and art experiences and knowledge. I would like to express my gratitude to all Near East University family for their warm welcome, support and interest. With all my heart, I wish a healthy life, happiness and prosperity for dear Dr. Suat Günsel and his family. I hope all your plans and goals will be actualized”.

Yasbi Agitayev: “Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts is the First and Unique in the World..."
Welcoming the participants, Kazakh artist Yasbi Agitev expressed his feelings and views: "Thank you for attending the opening of my solo exhibition and sharing my happiness. Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts, which is a magnificent project, is the first and unique in the world and it is a new experience and also great pride and happiness for me to be a part of this project. I tried to reflect my own life experiences, art philosophy and energy in my works and I'm ready to share them with you. I would like to say that I am proud that my works will take place in the unique collection of the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone working and exerting effort for this project".

Minister Taçoy: "We are very lucky that we own a treasure like Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts in our country..."
Then, Minister Hasan Taçoy delivered a speech and expressed his views: "A new week and a new opening ceremony. A total of 483 artworks of artists from 8 countries are being exhibited at different exhibition halls on Near East University campus. If we had thought such a thing a year ago, it might have been considered strange. We couldn't dream such a thing 45 years ago when we established TRNC. But now, it's a reality. We are very lucky that we own a treasure like Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts in our country. When we dream how we look towards future and how we desire it to be, I would like to congratulate Near East University and mainly our Founding Rector Suat Hoca (Suat İ. Günsel) for coming up with Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts project reflecting his future looking vision”.

Minister Taçoy: Near East University has developed with a Dazzling Speed in a short time considered relative to time and this treasure will grow further...
Referring to the 96th anniversary of the Republic Day of The Republic of Turkey, Minister Taçoy expressed his feelings: “While I was viewing the paintings of the Kazakh artist Yasbi Agitayev, the process regarding how a person born, grow up, develop came alive in my mind by associating it with the point that achieved by Turkey to have a say in the global area since the proclaim of the Republic. The paintings of the other Kazakh artist Sagit Azbalov depict their traditions and customs by bringing a different asymmetric perspective to world and life. It is a distinguished beauty for me to read or describe these in this way. This is necessarily associated with unifying everything that you experience in every stage of your life with life and to develop your life philosophy accordingly. I have noticed that Near East University has developed herself with a dazzling speed in a short time considered relative to time, and at every opportunity, I voiced this fact. This development will increasingly go on. This treasure will grow much further. I am very happy that I have opportunity to experience these feelings every time”.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Artists, Exhibition Ribbon was cut...
Following the speeches, Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy presented "Silver Key Honor Award" to Kazakh artists for their unique contributions to the Cyprus Museum of Modern Arts. Then the exhibition ribbon was cut and the exhibition was opened for visits. The exhibitions will be open for visits at NEU Atatürk Culture and Congress Center (AKKM) between 08:00-16:00 hours on weekdays until 8 November, 2019.