Museums provide the opportunity to learn heritage

Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Nezih Ayıran of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture (FFADA) of Cyprus International University (CIU) said that museums are places where objects with scientific, historical or artistic values are preserved, examined, exhibited and where academic studies are carried out on these objects.  Nezih Ayıran also noted that museums in a way make time travel possible. 

Stating that museums provide the chance to experience life of different cultures and gadgets they used  to survive  which date back thousands of years. Dr. Ayıran said that museums also provide the opportunity to witness the rich past of societies or communities that created those cultures. 

Prof. Dr. Ayran stated that the International Council of Museums (ICOM) was founded in 1977 and in the Council’s  statement within the scope of this year's International Museum Day, the expression "museums open our minds to new ideas as unique places of discovery to create a better future" was included.

The purpose of the International Museum Day is to raise awareness that museums are an important tool for cultural interaction, enrichment of cultures, mutual understanding, cooperation and building peace among people all over the world.  Ayıran emphasized the fact that museums are an important tool in transforming the world to a better to live.

Prof. Dr. Ayran pointed out that the main theme of the International Museum Day this year was determined as “The Power of Museums” and this theme will be discussed under three sub-titles: the power of ensuring sustainability, the power of innovation in digitalization and accessibility, and the power of building community through education.  He concluded his statement by saying, “As CIU FFADA academicians, we wish the ideals of World Museum Day to be brought to life more extensively in the TRNC and all over the world.”