9 May Europe Day celebrated with the theme of solidarity with the people of Türkiye
EU DEL Türkiye
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut:
"Our hearts are still with the millions of people who have been affected by the earthquakes..."
Europe Day was celebrated on May 9th with the theme "Solidarity" and slogan "Stronger Together" following the February earthquakes that hit 11 provinces in Türkiye. In this scope, the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye organized the "Stronger Together" Digital Photography Exhibition in Ankara with the contributions of Turkish Photojournalists Association. Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut opened the exhibition together with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director of EU Affairs Ambassador Kemal Bozay, and numerous names from the world of politics, arts, bureaucracy and academia as well as representatives of foreign missions attended the reception following the opening.
As a part of 9 May Europe Day, EU Information Centers also organized various activities. Antakya Civilizations Choir conducted concerts in 8 cities while European Union Youth and Education Programs were also held. Various workshops were organized for women and children affected by the earthquake.
"The exhibition is also an indicator of the cooperation between Türkiye and Europe"
Ambassador Meyer-Landrut, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bozay and Rıza Özel, the President of the Turkish Photojournalists Association, delivered speeches at the opening of the "Stronger Together" Digital Photography Exhibition. "Our hearts are with the millions of people affected by the earthquake," said Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut and explained the meaning of the exhibition as follows:
"This Digital Photography Exhibition is an expression of respect for the heroes of the rescue and medical teams who helped the Turkish people. The photos and videos here highlight the courage and dedication of the heroes who save lives in the most challenging conditions. It is an exhibition that also underlines the cooperation between Türkiye and Europe. Together, we have demonstrated the best of humanity, professionalism, and the importance of international cooperation and solidarity.
Although we gathered on May 9th to celebrate a joyous occasion, our hearts and minds are still with the millions of people affected by this tragedy who lost their families, friends, loved ones, homes and livelihoods."
Bozay: "I Felt That We Are Strong Together
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director of EU Affairs Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay said: "On February 6, when I was about to leave my post as Permanent Representative to the European Union and return to Ankara, I immediately called the relevant commissioner of the European Union and learned that the civil protection mechanism, of which we are a member, was immediately activated and the aid teams of the European Union member states were ready to depart. At that moment, I felt that we were strong together. The Turkish State and the Turkish nation will never forget this support that came immediately after the earthquake from all over the world, especially from the EU."
"As a journalist, I have never witnessed a pain of this magnitude"
In his speech, Rıza Özel, the President of the Turkish Photojournalists Association, said that in his 30 years of professional life, he had never witnessed a disaster or a pain of such magnitude as in the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. "According to the records of the Confederation of Turkish Journalists, we lost 26 of our journalist colleagues in these earthquakes," said Özel, adding, "In this disaster, where thousands of volunteers from all over the world and from every corner of Türkiye rushed to help, photojournalists and journalists worked under difficult conditions just like the earthquake victims. The photographs of our colleagues, who never took their eyes off their viewfinders during these difficult moments, were brought together in this digital exhibition prepared with a contemporary vision by the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye."
The exhibition will be open to the visitors until May 14th at Cermodern Digital Exhibition Hall in Ankara.
Ukrainian 5 Michelin Star chef made two special presentations
"Stronger Together” Digital Photography Exhibition was followed by a reception where Ukrainian 5 Michelin Star chef Vasyl Kovach made two special presentations in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, highly appreciated by the guests. The reception ended with a music recital.
Speech by the Head of EU Delegation to Türkiye on the occasion of Europe Day 9 May 2023
Video- Opening of the Exhibition “Stronger Together”
Press contact:
Miray Akdağ, Press Officer of the EU Delegation to Türkiye
Tel: 0312 4598700
EU DEL Türkiye
EU DEL Türkiye
