The historical building built as cavalry barracks in the era of Sultan 2nd Abdulhamit in Mardin was restored by Sabancı Foundation in the face of the will by Mr. Sakıp Sabancı, the late businessman, and was put into service as “Sakıp Sabancı Mardin City Museum and Dilek Sabancı Art Gallery” last week. Hosted by Ms. Guler Sabancı, the Board Chairman of Sabancı Holding, and Ms. Dilek Sabancı, the opening ceremony was honored by almost 200 members of Sabancı Family who şew from Istanbul to Mardin in a private jet. Following the opening ceremony, guests looked around the museum, ensued by the cocktail on the terrace şoor of the art center.

Mrs. Turkan Sabancı, the wife of Mr. Sakıp Sabancı, the late businessman, Mr. Ertugrul Gunay, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Basaran Ulusoy, Ms. Dilek Sabancı, Ms. Guler Sabancı, the Board Chairman of Sabancı Holding, Mr. Mehmet Aydın, Mr. Hasan Duruer, the Governor of Mardin and Mr. Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul, all cut the opening ribbons to the museum in the ceremony.

Guests tasted local Mardin dishes from the open buffet. Exclusive vines offered in metal cups were particular favorites. Hymns from all religions were performed accompanied by elevating music towards the end of the night and this way a nice opening night was left behind. This grandiose opening was honored by Ertugrul Gunay, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Aydın, the Minister in charge of State Affairs, Muammer Guler, the Governor of Istanbul, Hasan Duruer, the Governor of Mardin, Prof. Dr, Ali Bardakoglu, the Head of the Department of Religious Affairs, Aram Atesyan, Turkish Armenians Deputy Patriarch, Dimitris Bartholomeos, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Isak Haleva, Chief Rabbin of Turkish Chief Rabbinate, Saliba Ozmen, Mardin and Midyat Syrian Metropolite and Samuel Aktas as well as famous figures from business and social circles.