Atatürk Bust and Yıldız Art Park Opened with a Grand Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Atatürk Bust and Yıldız Art Park, organized by Çatalköy-Esentepe Municipality as part of the June 1st World Children’s Day, was held with great enthusiasm and the participation of hundreds of children.
In the event, attended by students from primary schools in the Girne region, the children both celebrated World Children’s Day and met with the new social and cultural areas prepared for them. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Republic Assembly, Fazilet Özdenefe, CTP Members of Parliament Fikri Toros and Sami Özuslu, and many citizens. Opening Held with Children
In the first part of the program, the Atatürk Bust was unveiled. Speaking before the opening, Çatalköy-Esentepe Mayor Ceyhun Kırok drew attention to the meaning and importance of June 1st World Children’s Day and emphasized that children are the guarantee of the future. Regional Member of Parliament Sami Özuslu, who also spoke at the ceremony, gave an emotional speech. Özuslu, stating that he himself is from Çatalköy, shared his childhood memories, explaining that they migrated from the South to Çatalköy when he was in primary school. Expressing that the transformation of the Atatürk Bust into a contemporary, modern structure is an important step, Özuslu expressed his satisfaction that the children came together on such a meaningful day.
Children Marched to the Park with a Procession
Following the unveiling of the Atatürk Bust, a procession was held with the participation of students, teachers, protocol members, and citizens. After the colorful procession, the crowd moved to the area where the Yıldız Art Park would be opened. Kırok: “Atatürk’s Principles and Reforms Are Our Roadmap”
Speaking at the opening of Yıldız Art Park, Mayor Ceyhun Kırok gave important messages to the children. Emphasizing that Atatürk’s principles and reforms serve as a guide for future generations, Kırok stated: “You have a great responsibility in becoming a society that progresses and grows by accepting Atatürk’s principles and reforms as our guiding principles, reflecting on them, and learning from them throughout our lives. Atatürk’s principles and reforms are a law, a rule. They are a handbook that we must follow.”
Stating that June 1st, World Children’s Day, is an important opportunity to increase the smiles on children’s faces and show how valuable they are, Kırok said that they gifted both the Atatürk Bust and Yıldız Art Park to the children within this context. Stating that the park will not only be a resting and play area, Kırok said that they have implemented an important project that will contribute to the cultural life of the region, and added:
“We set out to create a park where the works of many artists are exhibited and their stories are told. We are continuing our work with the aim of turning this place into an open-air museum. We have very few things left to do. We will do our best to ensure that this area becomes a center where culture, art and education coexist in the future.”
Özdenefe: “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams and Your Country”
Deputy Speaker of the Republic Assembly, Fazilet Özdenefe, also celebrated World Children’s Day with the children in her speech.
Stating that Yıldız Art Park is an important asset for the region, Özdenefe thanked Mayor Ceyhun Kırok and everyone who contributed to the project. Stating that the goal of transforming the park into an open-air museum in the coming years is extremely valuable, Özdenefe addressed the children with these words:
“Never give up on your dreams and hopes. Never give up on your country. Above all, be happy. You are the future of this country, and you are the ones who will shape the future.”
Şubadap Children’s Group Brought the Enthusiasm to the Peak
Following the opening ceremonies, the celebrations continued with music and entertainment. The Şubadap Children’s Group, who came from İzmir for the event, took the stage at Yıldız Art Park and gave the children unforgettable moments.
Known for their educational and entertaining songs for children, the group received great appreciation for their stage performance. The children, who sang along to the songs, danced, clapped to the rhythm, and played games, enjoying World Children’s Day to the fullest. Hundreds of children filling the event area were swept away by the energetic performance of Şubadap, while families also shared in their children’s happiness. Throughout the concert, Yıldız Art Park was the scene of colorful sights, and the children’s joy left its mark on the event. Ice cream and popcorn were served to the children as part of the program.
While the children had an unforgettable day at the event where music, art, entertainment and culture came together, families and citizens also shared in this special excitement. The Atatürk Bust and Yıldız Art Park, gifted to the children by Çatalköy-Esentepe Municipality, were put into service as one of the new social and cultural living spaces of the region, and World Children’s Day was celebrated in Çatalköy in a grand festive atmosphere.