The old Presidential building in Nicosia, commonly known as Silihtar, is being renovated to serve as a cultural and arts center. President Tufan Erhürman and his wife Nilden Bektaş Erhürman are making significant efforts to ensure the successful implementation of this transformation project.
For many years, the building has hosted the highest offices of the state and witnessed numerous historical political events. Now, it is undergoing a transformation towards becoming a hub for art and culture. The first event organized in this context is the exhibition “The Public Memory of Painting,” which has opened in the large hall that was previously used for negotiations and meetings.
The aim of the exhibition is to reveal the relationship of the Turkish Cypriot community with painting between 1949 and 1999 and the visibility of this art in public spaces. The event will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 16:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00.
Comments from Art Advisors
Esra Plümer Bardak and Derya Ulubatlı, Art Advisors at the Presidency, provided information about the “The Public Memory of Painting” exhibition to Turkish Agency Cyprus, stating that there is a comprehensive archive work behind the project. Bardak emphasized their desire to highlight the importance of Turkish Cypriot art in the social memory and to increase its visibility.
A total of 27 works selected from 14 different collections will be exhibited. These works include magazine covers, postage stamp designs, and other award-winning artworks. Plümer Bardak also highlighted the significance of painting in public spaces in connection with the building’s new function.
Derya Ulubatlı’s Highlights
Derya Ulubatlı remarked that this transformation is not only important for the building itself but also for the region, stating, “Our hope is for the building to be revitalized through art and culture.” Ulubatlı noted that activities for children are also planned and that music programs will be organized in the future.
The timeline created as part of this project considers the historical exhibition of Turkish Cypriot artist İsmet Vehit Güney as the starting point. A QR code to be added for the exhibition will enable visitors to access more information and to contribute to the archive.
Ulubatlı mentioned that they are working towards creating a social memory, and that they have requested documents and information from art enthusiasts to fill in the gaps. The contribution of both artists and audiences during this process is of great importance.
Architect Güner Ersen provided information about the cultural function and historical significance of the old Presidential building, emphasizing that this project will enhance not only the beauty of the structure but also the artistic and historical identity of Cyprus.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
