The Gate and Chest Museum Opens in Northern Cyprus

A ceremony was held to inaugurate the Gate and Chest Museum in Northern Cyprus. The exhibition, organized under the direction of the First Lady of the TRNC, reflects the rich culture and history of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The event, which took place at the Mujahideen Memorial Site in Nicosia, began with a moment of silence followed by the national anthem.

Speeches were delivered by the President of the TRNC, Ersin Tatar, his wife, Sibel Tatar, and the Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Emine Ziba.

In his speech, President Ersin Tatar expressed his pleasure over the opening of the second museum in the Turkish Resistance Organization building. He also reminded the audience that the Turkish Republic, with all of its institutions and organizations, continues to play a key role in the development of the TRNC.

The leader of the Turkish Cypriot community emphasized that many civilizations have historically inhabited and continue to live on the island, leaving behind a rich and diverse legacy. He underscored the government’s responsibility to preserve this heritage.

Sibel Tatar shared that the museum houses some of the most exquisite examples of doors and chests, offering a glimpse into the island’s vibrant cultural history.

Most of the 40 original chests on display were meticulously preserved and restored, thanks to contributions from artists, with some pieces also being borrowed from other museums. Alongside these, 13 replicas were created for the exhibition.

The museum also features replicas of 25 highly valuable doors, including the Othello Gate and the door of the Haydar Pasha Mosque. President Ersin Tatar highlighted that the Cyprus Gate and Chest Museum is an incredibly valuable cultural asset and expressed his gratitude to his wife for her dedication in bringing the exhibition center to life.

The ceremony concluded with a folk dance performance by FOLK-DER and the official opening of the museum.