ISTANBUL, (DHA) – Istanbul Governor Davut Gül participated in the award ceremony for the ‘One World, Common Conscience: Gaza-Themed Slogan Poster and Painting Competition.’ During the program, Governor Gül stated, “Wherever there is the same problem in the world, our side is clear; we take a stand for justice and truth. We are all witnesses of time and place. Regardless of your age, we have witnessed this oppression. And we will witness the downfall and destruction of those who commit this oppression.”
Competition Highlights Gaza’s Plight
The ‘One World, Common Conscience: Gaza-Themed Poster and Painting Competition’ was organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education and the Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV) at Tenzile Erdoğan Girls’ Anatolian Imam Hatip High School in Üsküdar. Students who achieved success in the competition were awarded prizes.
The award ceremony was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentür, TÜRGEV Board Chairman Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, Üsküdar District Governor Adem Yazıcı, teachers, students, and parents. The program commenced with a musical recital by the Hakkı Demir Anatolian Imam Hatip High School Choir, followed by protocol speeches and the presentation of awards to the students. The winning students received their awards from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentür, and TÜRGEV Board Chairman Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz.
In the painting competition, middle school students Ada Elif Gökalp secured first place, Mısra Sancak came in second, and Ada Cemre Tezer placed third. In the slogan poster competition, high school students Dide Nihan Kelebek won first place, Sümeyye Zehra Arslan was second, and Shahd Mahdy took third.
Governor Gül Emphasizes ‘Standing by Justice’
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that the issue of Gaza could be evaluated from many perspectives, but perhaps the most crucial aspect is the humanitarian one. He elaborated, “What does this mean? It means there is an oppressor and an oppressed. Turkey, under the leadership of our President, wherever he goes in the world, says ‘The world is bigger than five’ and takes the side of the oppressed, standing against the oppressor. As a nation, from seven to seventy, when we go out onto the streets, we can see that almost all people, even those who think differently and have different opinions, stand with the oppressed and against the oppressor. Perhaps the most important legacy we can leave to future generations, 50, 100, or 200 years from now, is to be on the right side of history. We did this in the Syrian issue, and we are doing it in the Palestinian issue. Wherever there is the same problem in the world, our side is clear; we take a stand for justice and truth. We are all witnesses of time and place. Regardless of your age, we have witnessed this oppression. And we will witness the downfall and destruction of those who commit this oppression.”
Students Express Emotions Through Art
Ada Elif Gökalp, who won first place in the painting competition, shared her feelings: “People lost their lives. That’s why I was very emotional while doing the painting. I drew this picture by feeling the emotions and thoughts of the people there. When I say Palestine, war comes to my mind first. Then crying comes, people lost in war come. I was inspired by this. I won first place in the competition, I am very happy.”
Mısra Sancak, who came in second in the painting competition, said, “I drew this picture by feeling the emotions and thoughts of the people there. I wanted to reflect the silent screams there in the painting. I expected to win an award in the competition. I made this painting very beautifully and meticulously. It made me very happy that everyone was watching me when I went on stage.”
Dide Nihan Kelebek, who won first place in the poster competition, stated, “I participated in the competition on the recommendation of my teacher. While depicting this poster, I actually wanted to depict the genocide there. I tried to show the facial expressions of the children there in the facial expression of the child in this poster. I expected to win an award, but I didn’t expect the competition to be so comprehensive. I was excited.”
Following the speeches, TÜRGEV Board Chairman Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz presented Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Murat Mücahit Yentür, and Üsküdar District Governor Adem Yazıcı with paintings made by students at TÜRGEV’s ‘Good Works Factory’. The ceremony concluded with a group photo session.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/istanbul/istanbul-vali-davut-gul-hakikatten-yana-tavir-2783067
