The ‘4 Generation Turks’ art exhibition project, which aims to examine the changes in Turkish society throughout history and to reveal the intergenerational relations among Turks, started in Würzburg, Germany. The exhibition, organized by Dr. Latif Çelik, President of the German IKG Institute, was supported by Alp Media and Haydi Ayran.
The art exhibition, opened under the auspices of Metropolitan Mayor Christian Schuchardt, was met with great interest from Turks and Germans. The exhibition, which opened in the Sparkasse Mainfranken foyer, featured 50 paintings reflecting the period from 1961 to 2021. People from different walks of life made speeches at the opening of the exhibition. Bernd Fröhlich, Chairman of the Board of Sparkasse Mainfranken, said, “We know the contribution of Turks to the development of Germany. We had a great labor shortage, especially in the 60s. Many families of Turkish origin came to Würzburg and its surroundings, and I know that they are a part of our history.” Wolfgang Roth, the CSU Group President of the Würzburg City Council, said in his speech, “Our generation grew up with Turks. Almost every German under the age of 60 has a work or school friend. These are not small things; all these friendships and camaraderie are the backbone of a process that extends to integration.”
Agata Stopinska, the Vice President of the Foreigners’ Council from the city administration, said, “The work of Dr. Çelik, who has served as a cultural advisor since the establishment of the Foreigners’ Council, is very important for our city. Although many of the people in these paintings are no longer alive, their traces are preserved in historians’ archives, art exhibitions and memories. The exhibition is an unforgettable bridge between locals and immigrants.”
Dr. Latif Çelik, the President of the German IKG-Institute for Culture, History and Integration Research, said, “The common history of the two nations is full of indispensable beauties. However, historians need support to reveal these common values. We would like to thank Sparkasse Mainfranken Board Chairman Bernd Fröhlich, Würzburg Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Christian Schuchardt and Haydi Ayran representative Hakan Elmalı. History will preserve those who support the unearthing of the Turkish-German common history in the most beautiful and special place,” he said.
Finally, retired businessman Osman Çat, who came to the microphone as the “Witness of Time”, said, “We came to Germany when we were 9 years old. My mother and father told me that I would call the first old German I met ‘Oma’ and ‘Opa’. The first thing I noticed in those years was the great similarities between German villagers and Turkish villagers. Because I realized that villagers did not undergo a change that would destroy cultures as much as urban society. We started from the bottom of the profession. I provided jobs and food to many people for decades. I supported all the works of my friend Dr. Latif Çelik, who has been with me for 44 years in Germany. Because Dr. Çelik’s works immortalize us even if we die.”
Source: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/avrupa/4-nesil-turkler-resim-sergisi-acildi-42619117