Organized in collaboration between Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) and the Cyprus Turkish Education Foundation (KTEV), the award ceremony of the “DETAILS FROM OUR HISTORY” design competition, held in memory of Turkish Cypriot researcher, writer, and archaeologist Tuncer Bağışkan, took place at the University campus. Aiming to reinterpret Cyprus’s rich cultural heritage through the unique perspectives of young artists, the competition serves as an artistic tribute to the island’s history and cultural values.
The ceremony, held with broad participation at the ARUCAD Art Gallery, saw the presentation of cash prizes and certificates to the students who ranked in the Photography and Ceramics categories. Among the attendees were ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, KTEV Chair of the Board of Trustees Umure Örs, members of KTEV, Tuncer Bağışkan’s family, jury members, academics, and students.
Speaking at the ceremony, ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi emphasized that the competition allowed young people to view Cyprus’s cultural heritage from their own perspective, stating, “We are proud to support our young artists who are inspired by our history. This competition not only fosters artistic creativity but also strengthens the awareness of preserving our cultural heritage. We believe that our young talents will carry Cyprus’s values into the future.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Cyprus Turkish Education Foundation Umure Örs also addressed the audience, saying, “As the Cyprus Turkish Education Foundation, we highly value projects that enable our youth to blend their cultural identity with art. While honoring the memory of Tuncer Bağışkan, we are delighted to support the talents of the new generation.”
In the Photography category, Zelal Naile Bakır won first prize, Samuel Carter Johnson won second prize, and Yusuf Gündüz won third prize. In the Ceramics category, Güzel Yusupova won first prize, Cemile Taş won second prize, and Kirsten Andres-Köksal won third prize. Certificates were presented to the winners by ARUCAD Rector Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, while the prizes were awarded by KTEV Chair of the Board of Trustees Umure Örs and Chair of the Art Committee Semral Öztan. Participation certificates were also given to other contestants.
During the ceremony, jury members Lecturer Mümine Özdemirağ Yağlı, Lecturer Emad Amlashi, Semral Öztan, Hayal Dimililer, Mehmet Ali Serak, and Kadir Kaba, as well as academic contributors Asst. Prof. Dr. Derya Ulubatlı, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aliye Menteş Yardımcı, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Merve Senem Arkan, were presented with certificates of appreciation.
Following the award ceremony, the exhibition featuring the winning works of the competition was officially opened. The “DETAILS FROM OUR HISTORY” Design Competition Exhibition will be open to art enthusiasts at the ARUCAD Art Gallery until 21 April 2025.
