‘Mexican’ breeze on campus

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) hosted the photography exhibition titled, ‘Life Chronicles’, which is about the diaries of Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. In addition to the exhibition consisting of 30 works, books that shed light on the recent history of Mexico were also introduced. Approximately 150 books of Spanish and Latin American origin were donated to IUE's library.

José Luis Martinez y Hernandez, Mexican Ambassador to Turkey, Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, IUE Rector, Kemal Çolakoğlu, Mexico's Honorary Consul in Izmir,  Emre Kızılgüneşler, Costa Rica’s Honorary Consul in Izmir and Member of IUE Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kentmen Çin, IUE Vice Rector, Ayşe Özgener, Board Member of IUE Children’s University Research and Application Center, Mehmet Şenbağcı, IUE Second Foreign Languages ​​Liaison Officer, crowd of academics and students attended the exhibition and book promotion event organized in cooperation with the Mexican Embassy and Izmir University of Economics. ​​Instructor Antonio Ramirez of IUE School of Foreign Languages also delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of Spanish language.

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

Expressing his pleasure to be in Izmir, Mexican Ambassador José Luis Martinez y Hernandez said, “Mexico and Turkey are similar countries in terms of both historical richness and being home to many important civilizations. Therefore, we realized this project, which we believe will be an opportunity for Turkish people to learn more about Mexican history through the eyes of Mexican writers. Frida and Diego are among the most famous names in Mexican history of art. They contributed to the consolidation of Mexican cultural life. We are happy to realize such an exhibition in Izmir. Our mission as the Embassy is to promote a closer relationship between Turkey and Mexico in the field of education and culture. I think such an activity is a clear example of what can be achieved by working hand in hand with an institution.”

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WILL CONTINUE

Stating that they will continue to produce new projects to further develop relations with Mexico, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said, “We are very happy to host such an important exhibition on our campus. Very valuable books of Spanish and Latin American origin were donated to our library. We will establish a separate Latin America corner in the library and bring together valuable works of art with our students. In addition to English, we also offer students the opportunity to learn Spanish as a second foreign language. This is also very beneficial for the development of relations between the two countries. We will continue the close dialogue with the Mexican Embassy and develop different projects.”