Turkish writer, illustrator on exhibit in Jerusalem

By Esat Firat

JERUSALEM (AA) - Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem was able to get acquainted with Turkish writer and illustrator Hasan Aycin during an exhibit that began Saturday at Turkey’s Yunus Emre Institute.

Known for his work and publication on the world’s oppressed and victims, 40 pieces of Aycin are on display to mark his 40th year in art.

Among the dignitaries on hand for the opening ceremony were Turkish Consul General Gurcan Turkoglu, Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Adnan al-Husseini, the head of Turkey’s Yunus Emre Institute Furkan Ozdemir, head of Jerusalem's Supreme Islamic Authority Sheikh Ekrima Sabri and the Yeni Safak newspaper journalist Omer Lekesiz.

Turkoglu said the exhibit reflects injustice and oppression in the world.

"Today we are here for a beautiful exhibition but we cannot do it as a celebration because of the events that took place yesterday," he said. "Of course there are inequalities and injustices in the world, but the experiences in Jerusalem and Palestine have a very different place and these are reflected in the exhibition.”

Ozdemir told Anadolu Agency that Aycin was able to expresse the pain of the region in his art.

He said culture is an important to Palestinians, which is why the cultural center is supporting Palestinians to have access to it.

"The Palestinian people are trying to express themselves through cultural and artistic activities in Jerusalem and the West Bank," he said.

“We will continue to promote our own culture as a cultural center, as well as support activities that will promote Palestinian culture," he added.

The exhibit will run for two weeks.