President Ersin Tatar attends the award ceremony and reception of "A Lifetime Service Award with Culture and Art" held at Kumarcılar Hanı
"The struggle, traditions, culture and art of the Turkish Cypriot people should be promoted continuously through the work of artists."
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President Ersin Tatar has paid tribute to the work of artists which he said is a “beacon of light” offering the country hope, whilst at the same time communicating the struggle and traditions of the Turkish Cypriot people.
The President, marking April 15 World Art Day in a ceremony and reception called “A Lifetime Service Award with Culture and Art”, said he was happy to be present at this “important and meaningful event” that was organised under the auspices of the Department of Culture, Deputy Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment.
President Ersin Tatar, addressing the ceremony that was held at Kumarcılar (Gamblers Inn) in Lefkoşa, underlined the importance of "continuing to promote the struggle, traditions, culture and art of the Turkish Cypriot people through art," and that “I express my heartfelt appreciation and commend the work of our artists”.
The President stated that some artists have succeeded in being able to represent Turkish Cypriot people and the TRNC internationally. Pointing out that all these valuable efforts have been made possible by creating the necessary environment and giving opportunities by state institutions and organisations, the President emphasised the importance of encouraging and paving the way for young people to succeed in art.
He added that despite the inhuman isolation and obstacles imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people, there are invaluable artists and writers who successfully represent the TRNC in the international arena. “The existence of artists who have been representing the Turkish Cypriot people in cultural activities for many years are a beacon of light for our country and their exemplary work gives us strength,” the President said.
President Tatar stated that being able to make the voices of Turkish Cypriot people heard and to share all types of artworks in a wide geography is important, because it provides inspiration, hope and being able to look to the future with hope for our people.
Drawing attention to the fact that many successes can be achieved in the field of art, President Tatar underlined the need to create the opportunities and support for young people who aspired to become artists, and to “encourage them to continue the traditions, culture and customs of the Turkish Cypriot people”.
Commemorating April 15 World Art Day, the President said the work of artists had also supported political work in the country. “There are two different societies, two different peoples and cultures, with different historical backgrounds on the same island of Cyprus,” the President said.
“Artists are able to share that difference with the whole world through their art, with freedom of expression.”
At the end of the ceremony, President Tatar presented awards to Mehmet Kansu, Aylin Örek, İnci Kansu, İsmail Bozkurt, Mahmut İslamoğlu and Aytaç Çağın.