Organized as part of the Galatasaray Alumni Association's traditional Rice Day events, the "Painter and Poet Tevfik Fikret" exhibition met with art lovers at the Galatasaray Museum.
The exhibition, which explores Tevfik Fikret's artistic identity from various perspectives, brought together numerous visitors from the Galatasaray community and the world of literature and art. The exhibition was curated by Cenk Tıkız and directed by Tunç Bilge. The opening ceremony was performed by Metin Sinan Aslan, President of the Galatasaray Alumni Association, and Dursun Özbek, President of Galatasaray Sports Club. The book "Painter and Poet Tevfik Fikret," recently published by Reha Bilge, also served as an inspiration for the exhibition. This work, which explores not only Tevfik Fikret's identity as a poet but also his painting, his role as the director of Galatasaray High School, and his significant contribution to the development of both the school and Galatasaray Sports Club, was instrumental in shaping the exhibition's conceptual framework. The exhibition presents visitors with works reflecting Tevfik Fikret's world and artistic vision, along with rich visual materials. The selection offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the artist's multifaceted personality from different perspectives. At the opening, which attracted considerable interest, visitors toured the exhibition and learned about the works. The "Painter and Poet Tevfik Fikret" exhibition will be open to visitors at the Galatasaray Museum throughout the summer.
"With this exhibition, we are remembering the legacy of freedom, enlightenment, and love for humanity that lies at the roots of Galatasaray."
Galatasaray Club President Dursun Özbek stated that with this exhibition, they are remembering the legacy of freedom, enlightenment, and love for humanity that lies at the roots of Galatasaray, saying, "Today, we have gathered here not only to commemorate a great poet and painter, but also one of the strongest representatives of the Galatasaray spirit, and to reconnect with his works. Tevfik Fikret was one of the pioneers of Turkish enlightenment, a distinguished graduate, teacher, and principal of Galatasaray High School; he was an unwavering advocate of free thought, modern education, and raising individuals with conscience. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, 'I inherited the spirit of revolution from him,' most powerfully describe his place in the intellectual life of our country. For us Galatasaray fans, Tevfik Fikret's meaning is even more special. As the patron president of our club, he championed Galatasaray, seeing it not just as a sports club, but as a symbol of culture, education, and solidarity." He said, "We see it as a haven for contemporary values. Today, with this exhibition, we are reminded once again of the legacy of freedom, enlightenment, and love for humanity that lies in the roots of Galatasaray. We remember Tevfik Fikret with respect, gratitude, and longing; and I thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this meaningful exhibition, dear Galatasaray fans."
He continued, "Today, with this exhibition, we are reminded once again of the legacy of freedom, enlightenment, and love for humanity that lies in the roots of Galatasaray. We remember Tevfik Fikret with respect, gratitude, and longing; and I thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this meaningful exhibition, dear Galatasaray fans."
He concluded, "Today, with this exhibition, we are reminded once again of the legacy of freedom, enlightenment, and love for humanity that lies in the roots of Galatasaray. We remember Tevfik Fikret with respect, gratitude, and longing; and I thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this meaningful exhibition, dear Galatasaray fans." "Tevfik Fikret is a shared value for us."
Author Reha Bilge stated that Tevfik Fikret is a shared value, saying, "As you know, Tevfik Fikret is recognized, accepted, and appreciated as an important poet in Turkey and Turkish literature. But there is another aspect of him that few people know about, and that is his side as a painter. This exhibition primarily reveals that side of him as a painter. Secondly, the book's content features a tremendously successful school principal, an educator, and a figure who made great contributions and pioneered significant services to the Turkish education system, not just to Galatasaray. He was also a patron and protector who did not withhold his support from Galatasaray Sports Club during its founding stages, ensuring its survival. However, it would be wrong to consider Tevfik Fikret only as a value of Galatasaray. Because Tevfik Fikret's contributions to education and his services to Turkish football are services and contributions to all of Turkish football and the entire Turkish education system. Therefore, Tevfik Fikret is a shared value for us. It was a long process. Now, first of all, my text work was affected by Covid..." "It started in the years [before], and it progressed step by step. First, it became a rather large article. Then, it became another article on a different topic, again about Tevfik Fikret. Last year, in order to complete it for the 100th anniversary of his death, I entered a period of intense work, and finally, the book was finished by the end of the year. But between the printing and the design, we were only able to publish it last month. I donated all the proceeds from this book to the Galatasaray Supporters' Mutual Aid Foundation," he said.
Galatasaray Supporters Association President Metin Sinan Aslan expressed his excitement about the exhibition, saying, "I'm excited because, firstly, this exhibition will give us all the opportunity to remember and internalize Tevfik Fikret. Secondly, I'm excited because every child passing through Istiklal Street will ask their father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother, 'Who is this uncle, who is this gentleman?' Perhaps one of them will go inside, perhaps one of them will learn a line or two from Tevfik Fikret. Even this is a great gain for us. Our esteemed Club President has also given us this opportunity, and we were able to open this exhibition."
(Source: https://www.odatv.com/kultur-sanat/galatasaray-tevfik-fikreti-sergiyle-andi-120149924)