AN "SYRIACS" PHOTO EXHIBITION IN DIYARBAKIR

On November 01, 2001 a photo exhibition on "Syriacs" has been opened in Diyarbakir by the Diyarbakir Photography Group (DIFOG).

In Fine Arts Gallery in Dagkapi, Diyarbakir, Dr. Huseyin Elci, Dr. Ozgur Nizam, Lecturer Selahattin Dogan and marketing manager Zulkuf Capanoglu, members of DIFOG exhibited their 59 photographs of the "Syriacs" taken in the regions where the Syriacs live.

Samuel Aktas, the Metropolitan of Deyr-ul Umur Monastery, opening the exhibition, thanked everybody who contributed the efforts for the exhibition.

Huseyin Elci and Dr. Ozgur Nizam, members of the Diyarbakir Photography Group mentioned that the exhibition was a product of five years work. "We were initially planning to open this exhibition in Diyarbakir, however, this could not be possible and we first opened it in Istanbul, then in Ankara and Erzincan and now in Diyarbakir." they added.

Nizam and Elci told that five years ago they worked as photographers in the city centers and towns of Mardin, Adiyaman and Antakya for a documentary. They also told:

"We chose the Syriac community that lives in the region and left valuable cultural work. Our aim is to introduce these people to Turkey and to the World. Fifty-nine photographs are on exhibition. This is the product of approximately five years work. As regards to why the Syriacs; the Syriacs left valuable architectural works of stone as well as a significant civilization on the Anatolian territories. Additionally, they significantly contributed to the progress of silver and gold works and wine production."

At the exhibition visited by many people, wine, bread, coke and cakes have been served.

It is possible to visit the exhibition until November 15th, 2001.