Turkish Cypriot Handicrafts Exhibition at Yunus Emre Institute
The “Turkish Cypriot Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition” opened in Nicosia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. The event was organized by the Nicosia Yunus Emre Institute and was attended by notable guests including President Ersin Tatar’s wife Sibel Tatar, TR Nicosia Embassy Education Counselor Mithat Tekçam, Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı’s wife Nurgün Arıklı, and Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture Cultural Heritage Carrier Esin Sevgin.
During the opening ceremony, Esin Sevgin emphasized the cultural and artistic significance of the exhibition, describing the ancient arts heirlooms on display as valuable assets that connect the past with the future. She also highlighted the importance of village women’s courses in preserving almost forgotten crafts such as wood printing, ceramics, and marbling.
In her speech, Sibel Tatar expressed gratitude for the support for cultural and artistic activities provided by the Presidency and praised Yunus Emre Institute for its contributions to cultural heritage. She mentioned initiatives to document Cyprus Cuisine, introduce works made of felt under the brand “Keçeda”, and transform Cyprus doors and chests into museum exhibits.
Nurgün Arıklı, the wife of Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, acknowledged the efforts of all women involved in village women’s courses and presented certificates of appreciation to participants. The exhibition featured a variety of traditional handicrafts and was officially opened after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The event served as a celebration of Turkish Cypriot cultural heritage and highlighted the importance of preserving and showcasing traditional arts and crafts for future generations. Visitors had the opportunity to experience the rich artistic heritage of the region and appreciate the skills and craftsmanship of local artisans.
