"Cumhuriyetin Öncü Kadınları" Exhibition Now on Display for Art Enthusiasts in Afyon

The rights gained by Turkish women thanks to the Republic and their remarkable achievements are once again highlighted through the "Cumhuriyetin Öncü Kadınları" exhibition. Prepared by Açık Holding as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the exhibition was first held in Istanbul, followed by shows in Ankara and Denizli. Now, it is visiting Afyon, a city that played a significant role in the War of Independence, once again showcasing the incredible accomplishments of Turkish women.

Opening on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the exhibition will be open to art lovers until December 5, 2024, the anniversary of the day Turkish women gained the right to vote and be elected. It will be hosted at the Millet Hamamı in the city center of Afyon.

The Footprints of Women in History Come to Life in Afyon

The "Cumhuriyetin Öncü Kadınları" exhibition sheds light on the struggles and achievements of Turkish women in social life. It highlights the roles women played in the early years of the Republic in areas such as education, workforce participation, and politics. The exhibition showcases the successes of influential figures like Muazzez İlmiye Çığ, Süreyya Ağaoğlu, and Sabiha Gökçen, who serve as inspiration. It tells the stories of women who were empowered through Atatürk’s support and whose lives were elevated with the Republic, emphasizing the opportunities created amid adversity. The exhibition’s fourth stop on its Anatolian tour, Afyon, a city rich in historical and cultural significance, adds even greater value to the experience.

Özlem Özdemir: "We Continue to Illuminate the Historical Struggles of Turkish Women"

In her speech at the opening, exhibition curator Özlem Özdemir emphasized that the "Cumhuriyetin Öncü Kadınları"exhibition is an important project that highlights the rights gained by Turkish women through the Republic. She pointed out that Turkish women are more fortunate than women in many other countries in this regard. Özlem Özdemir said, "I am proud to bring the 'Cumhuriyetin Öncü Kadınları' exhibition, which we launched last year as a project sponsored by Açık Holding, to different cities, particularly to women and art lovers. With the support of Afyon Municipality President Burcu Köksal and the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Gülizar Biçer, we have brought this exhibition to this historic city. Our goal is to emphasize the significant role women have not only in their social struggles but in all fields. The exhibition presents a historical journey, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of today’s women’s rights struggle. As we continue to shed light on the historical struggles of Turkish women, we also honor the fight for social equality and freedom."

Özdemir further explained that the exhibition was deliberately opened on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to raise awareness of women’s rights and inspire contemporary women’s struggles by learning from the first-generation women who paved the way for us.