Musician Gigi and painter Pırıl Torgut represented the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the 3rd International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) Youth Meeting, held in Trabzon, Turkey. The event, organized jointly by TÜRKSOY and the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, brought together 150 young people from 21 different countries and regions of the Turkic world.
Before departing for Trabzon, the two artists visited the TRNC Department of Culture and met with Director Ayşe Güler Akın. Akın emphasized the importance of strong representation at TÜRKSOY events and noted that the department selects accomplished artists to ensure the country is represented at the highest level. She wished both artists every success.
The opening ceremony at the Hamamizade İhsan Bey Culture and Arts Centre was attended by TRNC Consul General in Trabzon Fatma Demirel, Trabzon Governor Tahir Şahin, Kyrgyzstan's Ambassador to Ankara Ruslan Kazakbaev, Trabzon Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç, Trabzon University Rector Prof. Dr. Emin Aşıkkutlu, and TÜRKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf. Former Turkish national football team head coach Şenol Güneş also addressed the young participants as a special guest speaker.
Sessions on cultural memory and artificial intelligence were held throughout the meeting, while participants visited the Sümela Monastery, Hagia Sophia Mosque and Atatürk Pavilion as part of the cultural programme. At the gala dinner where each country's representatives showcased their culture, Gigi performed the songs 'Kıbrısım' and 'Feslikan', and later sang 'Mağusa Limanı' at the closing dinner following popular demand.
The TRNC delegation, led by Department of Culture staff member Tünay Özyay, also paid a courtesy visit to the TRNC Consulate General in Trabzon and met with Consul General Fatma Demirel.
