The opening and award ceremony of the High School Painting Exhibition themed "Together – A United Will in One Night" was held at Rami Library, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, in cooperation with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education and the 15 July Association.

 

Held in Hall No. 120 of Rami Library, the programme began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by students of Başakşehir ITU İsmail Dede Efendi Fine Arts High School. The programme also featured a recitation from the Holy Qur'an by a student of Asımın Nesli Imam Hatip Middle School, followed by a video presentation on the events of 15 July.

 

Delivering the opening address, Hikmet Feridun Aksu, Head of the Education Commission of the 15 July Association, stated that 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day stands as one of the strongest symbols of the nation's determination to safeguard its independence, noting that, "Betrayals that are forgotten are bound to be repeated." He prayed for God's mercy upon the martyrs, wished the veterans continued health and well-being, and congratulated all the students who participated in the competition. During his speech, he also quoted the well-known lines:

 "Flags become flags because of the blood shed for them; if there are those who die for it, the land becomes a homeland."

 

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ayşe Nur Çalıkcı, Branch Head of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, said that on the night of 15 July, the Turkish nation wrote a heroic chapter in its history through its love for the homeland, devotion to the national flag, and unwavering faith. She noted that the nation stood firmly against the attempted coup with the conviction that "When the homeland is at stake, everything else is secondary." Referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call for citizens to take to the streets and the sacrifices made by the nation that night, she expressed her prayers for God's mercy upon the martyrs and her gratitude to the veterans. Quoting the words, "A future that is not rooted in its past cannot stand," she emphasized that preserving collective memory occupies an important place in the educational approach of the Ministry of National Education.

 

Following the speeches, awards were presented to the students who placed in the inter-high school painting competition, while certificates of participation were presented to all participating students.

 

Following the award ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Istanbul and other protocol members joined the students in cutting the ribbon to officially open the exhibition. They then toured the exhibition, viewing the students' artworks inspired by 15 July and receiving information about the works.

 

 

The "Together – A United Will in One Night" High School Painting Exhibition will be open to visitors in Corridor A of Rami Library until 24 July.