PROF. M. BOZKURT KURUÇ

Coming into use in the year of 1969, Atatürk Cultural Centre housed some significant culture and arts events. It had remained closed between 2008 and 2018 due to a series of repairments and modifications. It was in 2018 that the dysfunctional building was fully destroyed and the project for a new building was started.

The first night of AKM’s grand opening started with G. Verdi’s Aida opera, and on the second night, The States Theatres joined in to stage a play by Turan Oflazoğlu, Deli İbrahim.

I was playing Deli İbrahim in that play.

As the artists who took part in these shows, namely the operas, ballets, and theatres, we were feeling very excited.

Today is the 29th of October, 2021. We’re celebrating the 97th anniversary of our Republic. We’re also celebrating our Atatürk Cultural Centre, which reopens its doors to the world of arts and culture.

I feel the same enthusiasm and excitement that I felt in the year of 1969.

I’d like to express my love and respect for our elders who brought this excellent centre to the world of culture and arts and for all the people who have contributed to its development.

I hope that İstanbul AKM will be benevolent to our country and the world of culture and arts.

Prof. Dr. M. Bozkurt Kuruç
State Artist