The 'Denktaş in London' exhibition, featuring photographs of Founding President Rauf Denktaş and his words on Cyprus's history and his personal life, has opened in London, the capital of the United Kingdom.
The opening at the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) in London was attended by Türkiye's Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş; the TRNC Representative in London, Çimen Keskin; London YEE Director Mehmet Karakuş; the exhibition's curators, Mine Kar and Cem Kar; and invited guests.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ertaş said, 'A great deal of effort has gone into this exhibition, and that effort tells the story not only of a life but of a cause. Here, we see not only the life of a leader who devoted himself to his country, but also the life of a gracious gentleman, a man of peace, and an individual with a strong emotional side who put people at the centre.'
Ertaş said Denktaş was a determined figure who fought in every way for his country, adding that Denktaş's 1983 speech at the United Nations Security Council was also a lesson for Turkish diplomats.
Ertaş said Denktaş was an inspiration not only to Turkish Cypriots but also to millions of Turks.
The TRNC Representative in London, Keskin, also emphasised that Denktaş had left a significant mark on Turkish Cypriot history, saying, 'As a lawyer, politician and diplomat, Denktaş devoted his entire life to the cause of the rights, equality and freedom of the Turkish Cypriot people.'
Keskin said Denktaş was a figure who had earned everyone's respect, adding, 'This exhibition also tells the story of the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for freedom and independence.'
Keskin read out a message sent by Denktaş's son, former TRNC Foreign Minister Serdar Denktaş.
London YEE Director Karakuş noted that the exhibition also highlights Denktaş's artistic side, saying, 'As an institution that introduces Turkish culture, art and history, we are hosting an exhibition of this kind.'
The exhibition's curators, Cem and Mine Kar, said it comprises 250 photographs selected from the nearly 50,000 images in Denktaş's photographic archive.
The pair said that Denktaş's words about the moments captured are also displayed alongside the photographs, and that the exhibition can also be viewed online.
The exhibition, which also tells the story of Cyprus, includes photographs taken by Denktaş with his own camera.
The exhibition, which will remain open at the London YEE until 30 November, can be visited on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:00.