The unveiling of Turkish artist Doğan Karakılıç’s recreation of Guatemalan sculptor José ‘Pepo’ Toledo’s masterpiece, The Angel of Peace, took place at Safa Park.
THE ceremony was attended by Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş, Guatemalan Ambassador Eduardo Hernández, Director General of Latin America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yaprak Balkan, sculptor José ‘Pepo’ Toledo, and artist Doğan Karakılıç.
THE REIGN OF PEACE, NOT WAR
In his address at the event, Mansur Yavaş expressed his delight that this iconic and meaningful piece, after being showcased in cities such as Washington D.C., Geneva, Mexico City, and Guatemala City, has now found a permanent home in Ankara. “Amidst the rising conflicts, this artwork stands as a symbol of peace, friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation,” Yavaş remarked. He added, “We aspire to a world where peace prevails over war, where human rights and dignity are upheld, the environment is safeguarded, and future generations can thrive in safety.”
SHARED SIMILARITIES
At a recent event, Guatemalan Ambassador Eduardo Hernández lauded Turkey as a nation that fosters friendship and diplomacy, emphasizing its commitment to lasting peace. With over 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Hernández expressed optimism that this enduring relationship would serve as a testament to the shared similarities among nations, highlighting the power of unity over division.
Sculptor Toledo, who traveled from Guatemala specifically for the event, shared that peace represents a level of tolerance and unity that enables societies to overcome natural, economic, or other forms of disaster.
