― 17 ноября 2023 г.

100th Anniversary of the Birthday of the Northern Cypriot artist Ismet Vehit Güney

An event was held  in TURKSOY Headquarters  within the scope of the Commemorative Year 2023 dedicated to Ismet Vehit Güney, the famous painter from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which was declared by TURKSOY on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birthday.

The Commemorative Event hosted by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev gathered the Ambassador of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to Ankara H. E. Mr. Ismet Korukoğlu, the Former Minister of  Culture and Tourism of the TRNC  Mr. Ismail Bozkurt, the Director of the Culture Department Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, Vehit Güney's relatives and  representatives of various embassies in Ankara, as wellas representatives of various institutions and organisations along with many art lovers.

Following the opening of the  painting and photography exhibition of Vehit Güney's works in the  Foyer Area of TURKSOY Headquarters featuring impressions of various phases of  his life,  protocol members visited the exhibition  together with Vehit Güney's daughter Nilgün Güney.

The conference held in the Conference Hall of  TURKSOY started with   a documentary on Vehit Güney which was followed by the opening speech of Secretary General Sultan Raev stating that TURKSOY attaches great importance to the commemoration of valuable personalities who have served Turkic culture and our common civilisation and left indelible traces in our common history legacy as it is our precious commitment to introducw them  to future generations.
 

Noting that through the commemorative years and  events announced by our Organisation, many cultural figures who are the pioneers of the Turkic World with their exemplary lives and legacy they  left behind  are introduced to new generations, Mr. Raev said: "With the decision made in line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment of the Deputy Prime Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the 39th Term Meeting of the  Permanent Council  of TURKSOY, our Organisation declared 2023 as the Year of Ismet Vehit Güney, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the  birthday of the famous painter from Northern Cyprus and  pioneer of the  Cypriot Turkish art of  painting.

Indeed, Ismet Vehit Güney promoted the Turkish Cypriot Community not only through painting and drawing  but also in all branches of art. He  glorified his country with the poems, stories and artistic writings he published, with his activities in Türkiye and abroad, and became the first Turkish Cypriot artist to contribute to the promotion of Turkish Cypriot culture on an international scale with these efforts.

Being the first Turkish Cypriot to open an exhibition in the history of Cyprus, he founded the Painting and Photography Club, organised exhibitions and competitions, participated in the competition for the flag design of the Republic of Cyprus established in 1960 and won the first place in this competition. Hence, we hereby pay tribute to the cherished memory of this valuable personality who left his unique trace behind in the history of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with his efforts in every field of art, and we commemorate him with due mercy and gratitude."

Speaking at the event, the  Ambassador of the TRNC to Ankara Mr. İsmet Korukoğlu expressed his happiness as to the fact  that  the year 2023 has been declared as the Year of Commemoration of Turkish Cypriot artist Ismet Güney by TURKSOY. 

Emphasising that Ismet Vehit Güney, who was a teacher, painter and cartoonist, left indelible traces in the history of the Turkish Cypriot people, Ambassador Korukoğlu said: "Vehit Güney was the first Turkish Cypriot to open an exhibition, and he helped the young generation get acquainted with  the art of painting for 30 years.  He is also the designer of the common flag of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots created  in 1960."

Ambassador Korukoğlu expressed his gratitude on behalf of the TRNC to TURKSOY, which they are proud to be a part of as it is a precious organization committed to the rapprochemend of the Turkic World and plays a tremendous role in deepening cultural and social ties within the Turkic World. Mr. Korukoğlu further stressed that:  "These events, which are held on an  international level to strengthen the ties of friednship and brotherhood amon kindred peoples  are also meaningful as they play a key role in the promotion of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.  As  we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our fatherland,  the Republic of Türkiye this year along with the  40th anniversary of our state, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the 30th anniversary of TURKSOY, it is also a source of pride for us that TURKSOY has declared 2023 as the Commemoration Year of Ismet Vehit Güney on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birthday."

Mrs. Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, the  Director of the Department of Culture whon also took the floor at the event, stated that "As the Department of Culture, we have been working at all levels to spread and keep alive our culture and language, to fly our flag on the island many years ago, to protect our existence and to raise our voice". Zaimağaoğlu further stressed that  it was an honour for them to see the name of an   artist from the TRNC   TURKSOY be  commemorated for the first time by  TURKSOY within the framework of a Commemorative Year it announced to hold various events throughout the year in the Turkic World.

Following the opening speeches, the former  Minister of Tourism and Culture of the TRNC Mr. Ismail Bozkurt, Ismet Vehit Güney's daughter Nilgün Güney, the caricaturist and painter Dr Arif Albayrak, the poet and author Ilter Yeşilay, the painter Yaşar Çallı and his wife Çiğdem Çallı delivered  speeches and gave information to the participants about Vehit Güney's life and work.

The event ended with a group photograph taken after the handover of souvenirs and  -Certificates of Appreciation  in memory of the day.

The event ended with a family photo taken after the presentation of gifts and TURKSOY Participation Certificates in memory of the day.