• Publish Date
  13.11.2023
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On November 10, our struggle for independence came to life in the metros of Istanbul

The metros became one of the most significant points in Istanbul for the commemoration ceremonies held on the 85th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic.

On the 85th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic, who entered its second century, he was fondly remembered throughout the country. In Istanbul, the metros became one of the focal points for the commemoration ceremonies. 
Commencing with service at 06:00 in the morning, commemorative announcements continued throughout the day. At 09:05, all trains were brought to stations, and following the announcement, the 116,746 Istanbul residents on the 18 lines operated by Metro Istanbul observed a one-minute silence, followed by a collective recitation of the National Anthem.

A special ceremony was held at Kozyatağı Station.
On the M8 Bostancı-Dudullu/Parseller Metro Line, a special ceremony was organized at Kozyatağı Station in commemoration of November 10. The three-dimensional artwork titled "Cumhuriyetin Gözleri" (Eyes of the Republic), depicting Atatürk inside the train and created by artist Murat Daşkın, was transformed into a memorial area for the occasion.
The top management and employees of Metro Istanbul laid a wreath at the prepared area in Kozyatağı Station at 09:05. Following a moment of silence with the participation of passengers, the National Anthem was sung. The heart-shaped platform created next to the artwork received significant attention from passengers who wished to write notes to Atatürk.
Dr. Özgür Soy, the General Manager of Metro Istanbul, stated, "Our M8 Line has a total of 10 permanent art pieces. The three-dimensional artwork featuring Atatürk inside the train at Kozyatağı Station is receiving great interest from our passengers. People of all ages, especially young people and children, enter the train to take photos with Atatürk. This year, as the Metro Istanbul family, we wanted to commemorate Atatürk with our passengers at this artwork in Kozyatağı Station at 09:05. Starting from this year, this will become a tradition, and every November 10, we will commemorate Atatürk with our passengers at this station."

"The pivotal moments of our struggle for independence are commemorated at metro stations." 
Our struggle for independence, which is the foundation of our Republic, came to life in metro stations. The opening ceremony of the exhibition consisting of 40 works by the artist Gültekin Çizgen, inspired by Atatürk's historic masterpiece "Nutuk" and depicting the turning points of our struggle for independence, took place on November 10 at Mecidiyeköy metro station.
Dr. Özgür Soy, the General Manager of Metro Istanbul, stated, "We have inaugurated the exhibition at Mecidiyeköy station, where works inspired by Atatürk's Nutuk and depicting the turning points of our struggle for independence are displayed. We are bringing the large-scale applications of the 40 works exhibited at Mecidiyeköy to different stations for Istanbulites to see. Citizens visiting the exhibition in Mecidiyeköy can scan the QR code next to the artworks with their mobile phones to find out where the large-scale application of that specific work is displayed at other stations. In this way, we bring to life the immortal work of Atatürk, Nutuk, throughout the city."

About the Artist Gültekin Çizgen:
Born in Istanbul in 1940, Gültekin Çizgen, throughout his 65-year professional art career, has produced audiovisual photography, illustrations, photographic illustrations, artistic glass, glass sculptures, contemporary compositions, and has written a novel. Primarily focusing on the field of photography, he has created printed works in various artistic domains, entering museum collections and specialized libraries.
Gültekin Çizgen, recognized for his significant achievements through numerous events and exhibitions both domestically and internationally, has held numerous solo exhibitions with original form and content since 1961, contributing to various group exhibitions as well. His photographs have been featured in solo exhibitions in 13 countries abroad.

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