Ömer Koç addresses the genocide in Gaza: 'My heart is with the long-suffering people of Gaza'

The official opening of the 18th Istanbul Biennial, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) with the support of Koç Holding, has taken place. The biennial ceremony was held at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum.

The ceremony was attended by İKSV Chairman of the Board Bülent Eczacıbaşı, Koç Holding Chairman of the Board Ömer M. Koç, and Istanbul Biennial Director Kevser Güler, as well as many figures from the art and business worlds.

During the ceremony, a plaque of appreciation was presented to Koç Holding, which has undertaken the sponsorship of the biennial between 2007 and 2036.

Koç Holding Chairman of the Board Ömer Koç, who received the plaque on behalf of Koç Holding, also delivered a speech. Koç stated the following:

"We have been continuing our support for the Istanbul Biennial since 2007. We view this long-term collaboration, which will continue until 2036, not just as a sponsorship relationship, but as a partnership of a shared vision and a common ideal. I believe that through this valuable bond we have established with İKSV, we have taken significant steps toward making contemporary art accessible to everyone and creating space for freedom of expression. In these days when issues awaiting solutions are increasing at an alarming rate, I am of the opinion that we need art and the transformative power of art more than ever. The conceptual framework of this year's biennial, 'The Three-Legged Cat,' focuses precisely in this context on a state of resilience born from the need to protect oneself and survive in difficult situations."

MESSAGE ON GAZA FROM KOÇ

In his speech, Koç also touched upon Gaza, which is under Israeli occupation. Ömer Koç delivered this part of his speech in English.

The translation of Koç's speech is as follows:

"My heart is with the long-suffering people of Gaza. My prayers and thoughts are with them. I still cannot believe that some people continue to support and justify this horrific genocide. But truth and justice will eventually prevail".

News Source: 12punto