The winners of the “DETAILS FROM OUR HISTORY” design competition, organized in memory of Turkish Cypriot researcher, writer, and archaeologist Tuncer Bağışkan, have been announced. The competition was held in collaboration between the Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) and the Cyprus Turkish Education Foundation (KTEV), aiming to keep Bağışkan’s legacy alive. Open to students over the age of 18 studying at universities in the TRNC, the competition invited participants to reinterpret Cyprus’ cultural heritage through the lens of young artists.
The competition, which focused on ceramic and photography categories, was inspired by Bağışkan’s in-depth research on Ottoman architecture and stonework, and sought to highlight the cultural value he brought to Cyprus. The event attracted great interest from students, who presented their inspirations drawn from Cypriot history, architecture, and cultural elements using their technical skills and unique artistic expressions.
Güzel Yusupova Takes First Place in the Ceramics Category
In the ceramics category, Güzel Yusupova won first prize with a work that skillfully combined a creative formal language with historical references through an aesthetic approach. The second prize went to Cemile Taş, while Kirsten Andres-Köksal received third prize. The jury evaluated not only the techniques used but also the references to Cypriot cultural heritage within the artworks.
Zelal Naile Bakır Wins Top Prize in the Photography Category
In the photography category, Zelal Naile Bakır claimed first place. Her work stood out for its contemporary interpretation of Cyprus’ historical texture. Samuel Carter Johnson came in second, and Yusuf Gündüz took third place. The jury considered composition, approach to the theme, and technical proficiency during the evaluation process.
In both categories of the design competition, the first prize was set at 400 USD, the second prize at 250 USD, and the third prize at 150 USD. The award-winning works will be showcased at an award ceremony and exhibition to be held at ARUCAD between April 8–17. The exhibition aims to increase the visibility of the competition and bring the works of young artists to a broader audience.
In the ceramics category, Güzel Yusupova won first prize with a work that skillfully combined a creative formal language with historical references through an aesthetic approach. The second prize went to Cemile Taş, while Kirsten Andres-Köksal received third prize. The jury evaluated not only the techniques used but also the references to Cypriot cultural heritage within the artworks.
Zelal Naile Bakır Wins Top Prize in the Photography Category
In the photography category, Zelal Naile Bakır claimed first place. Her work stood out for its contemporary interpretation of Cyprus’ historical texture. Samuel Carter Johnson came in second, and Yusuf Gündüz took third place. The jury considered composition, approach to the theme, and technical proficiency during the evaluation process.
In both categories of the design competition, the first prize was set at 400 USD, the second prize at 250 USD, and the third prize at 150 USD. The award-winning works will be showcased at an award ceremony and exhibition to be held at ARUCAD between April 8–17. The exhibition aims to increase the visibility of the competition and bring the works of young artists to a broader audience.