Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun attended the opening of the “Memory of Stone and Colour” exhibition at Cemil Paşa Mansion and the “Tribute to Gabriel” exhibition organised by DİTAV.

Curated by Özlem Atalay, the “Memory of Stone and Colour” exhibition brought together artists from Iran, Ukraine and different regions of Turkey, as well as seven artists from Diyarbakır.

At the event, where around 60 works were exhibited, the texture of basalt stone was combined with colours to establish a connection between the past and the present. Works by Diyarbakır artist Murat Özdoğru on the peace process, along with those of his six-year-old son Deniz Özdoğru, were also presented to art lovers.

The exhibition, which met with art enthusiasts, goes beyond being merely an art display; through the concept of memory spaces, it aims to connect with roots, remind visitors of the past, and carry hope for the future through art.

‘Tribute to Gabriel’ Exhibition

Following the opening at Cemil Paşa Mansion, Co-Mayor Hatun and his delegation attended the opening of the “Tribute to Gabriel” exhibition organised at the Diyarbakır Promotion, Culture and Solidarity Foundation (DİTAV). The exhibition features works belonging to French researcher Albert Louis Gabriel, who saved Diyarbakır’s city walls from destruction.

In his speech, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun emphasised Gabriel’s significant role in preserving the historical heritage of Diyarbakır, stating: “Gabriel’s name should be remembered more in this city. We can fulfil our debt of gratitude by naming a street, a neighbourhood or a municipal venue after him.”

Co-Mayor Hatun also highlighted the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites such as Çayönü and Zerzevan, stressing that all components of the city bear the responsibility of passing on the city’s historical heritage to future generations.

DİTAV Vice President Şeyhmus Diken thanked Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality for its contribution to the exhibition and announced that on 20 September a talk on Gabriel would be held at DİTAV with the participation of Co-Mayor Serra Bucak.

At the exhibition openings, Co-Mayor Hatun was accompanied by DBB Council Member Gülay Kılıç and Zeynep Yaş, Head of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs.