The 7th International Vounous Terracotta Symposium, hosted by the Çatalköy–Esentepe Municipality last night, brought together artists, academics, and art lovers from around the world and Cyprus. Twenty international artists, academics, and ceramic enthusiasts from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as Turkey, Sweden, Italy, France, Russia, and the United States, and 60 local artists, academics, and ceramic enthusiasts attended the event.

Following the workshops held from September 1–16, the grand exhibition opened on September 14. Numerous art lovers from various parts of Cyprus eagerly attended the works and performances.
Mayor Kırok: “Vounous has become a cultural brand for our country”
In his opening speech at the 7th International Vounous Terracotta Symposium, Çatalköy–Esentepe Mayor Ceyhun Kırok emphasized that the event has become a cultural brand not only for the region but also for the entire country. Mayor Kırok stated that 20 artists, academics, and participants from around the world and 60 from Northern Cyprus participated in the symposium, saying, “We are honored to successfully organize such a large organization.”

“It has grown since 2017.”
Kırok reminded that the symposium was launched in 2017 under the leadership of the municipality, saying, “This unique organization, which has attracted worldwide attention and resonated from its inception, has grown richer and richer each year.” Emphasizing that the symposium is a brand that promotes the country’s cultural identity to the world, Kırok said, “This organization is a powerful voice that introduces our deep-rooted heritage to the world and demonstrates the universal power of art. The most important reason why it receives a wider response every year is the passion of everyone who works for it.” “Our goal is an open-air museum.”
Mayor Kırok stated that Vounous’ international recognition is increasing and outlined his future goals:
“Creating an open-air museum where the produced works will be exhibited is one of our greatest goals. We will do our utmost to make Vounous a place that can be visited 365 days a year, hosts interactive activities, and transmits our history and culture to future generations.” At the end of his speech, Kırok said, “Everything started with a dream, and today it has become a reality,” emphasizing the importance of public support in making dreams come true. Esenal: “Our cultural heritage is our greatest asset.”
Event Coordinator Rauf Ersenal emphasized the contribution of volunteers:
“This area, which was a pile of rubble in 2011, was cleared and restored to its current state in 2017. We saw that a 5,000-year-old culture had been forgotten. Today, Vounous has become a world-renowned organization. Our greatest asset is our cultural heritage, and we want this area to be shared with the public and visitors from abroad 365 days a year.”
The performances were highly acclaimed.
Following the speeches, the Vounous girls took the stage, performing a torchlight show and singing songs, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event concluded with a performance around a fire and a fire dance.
Following the speeches, the Vounous girls took the stage, performing a torchlight show and singing songs, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event concluded with a performance around a fire and a fire dance.