"Traditional Touches to Zembil Art Exhibition" was organized in cooperation with the Nicosia Yunus Emre Institute, the Culture Department of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Lefke Municipality, Lefke Aid and People's Association.

At the exhibition hosted by the Nicosia Yunus Emre Institute on November 19, 2022, handcrafted products were modernized with Turkish decorative arts such as marbling and Tokat printing techniques, while preserving their traditional structures.

The event was attended by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, Nicosia Yunus Emre Institute Coordinator Abdullah Aktaş, Mayor of Lefke Aziz Kaya, Director of the Culture Department Şirin Zaimağaoğlu, President of Lefke Aid and People's Association Emel Yılmaz, trainees and many guests.

PASSING ON THE DEEP-ROOTED HERITAGE INHERITED FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE

The exhibition was opened after the screening of the documentary prepared as part of the Revival of the Traditional Zembil Art Project, which was implemented in order to bring the art of zembil, which is unique to Cyprus, back to life and to transfer the deep-rooted heritage inherited from the past to the future.

With the Revival of Traditional Zembil Art Project, traditionally wicker-woven baskets called "zembil" gained a new form and understanding. The project established a connection between traditional and modern art with "zembils", which can be used instead of plastic bags in shopping.

A JOURNEY FROM DATE PALMS TO AN ART GALLERY

The project encouraged the use of zembils instead of plastic bags, which cause environmental pollution, and took an environmentalist, nature-friendly initiative.

Under the tutelage of Esin Sevgin and Vijdan Karagözlü, products such as bags, baskets, wallets and fans were prepared with the art of zembil, weaving dried date palm branches.

The works of women who learned how to make zembils in a short period of three months attracted great interest from the guests visiting the exhibition.

The event ended with a photo shoot after the trainees were presented their certificates.