Mardin's Heritage Presented in Zagreb within the Scope of Turkish Culture Days

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

In events held in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, Mardin's multicultural history was introduced to participants under the headings of art, education, and history.

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Zagreb'de düzenlenen Türk Kültür Günleri'nde Mardin'in kültürel mirası tanıtıldı

Within the scope of the Turkish Culture Days held in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, Mardin's history, art, and cultural heritage were promoted internationally.

Programs Realized Through Cooperation in Zagreb

According to a statement by Mardin Artuklu University, the Embassy of Zagreb, the Zagreb Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, Mardin Artuklu University, and the Association of the Turkish Community of the Republic of Croatia carried out a joint effort. As a result of this cooperation, various cultural programs were implemented in the capital Zagreb within the framework of Turkish Culture Days.

Opening of the Diversity of Cultures Exhibition

In line with the events held at the Zagreb Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center, the opening of Mardin-born artist Nurettin Çakmak's exhibition titled "Diversity of Cultures" took place. Artist Çakmak presented his works, in which he depicted Mardin's historical structures and prominent figures using his unique asphalt technique, to art lovers.

Colors of Mardin Panel Held

Following the exhibition, a panel titled "Colors of Mardin: Culture, Art, Education, and History" was organized. Mardin Artuklu University Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özcoşar, writer and poet Ümit Yaşar Işıkhan, and artist Nurettin Çakmak participated as speakers in this panel.

Ümit Yaşar Işıkhan's Visit to Zagreb

Writer and poet Ümit Yaşar Işıkhan stated that he returned to Zagreb, which he first visited in 1986, after an interval of nearly 40 years. In his speech, Işıkhan detailed Mardin's stories, streets, people, multicultural life, and prominent figures raised in the city.

Evaluations by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özcoşar

Rector Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özcoşar emphasized Mardin's ancient history and its structure where different civilizations have lived together for centuries. Özcoşar shared with the participants that transferring this unique heritage to future generations is of critical importance.

Similarities Between Mardin and Jerusalem

In his speech, Rector Özcoşar drew attention to the historical and cultural similarities between Mardin and Jerusalem. He stated that both cities bring different communities together thanks to their multi-layered structures and build a bridge between the past and the present.

Transfer of Cultural Values in the International Arena

The panel also thoroughly discussed the role of art in making cultural heritage visible. Emphasis was placed on the transfer of cultural values through education and academic studies, as well as the promotion of Mardin's accumulation in the international arena.