Ceremony held yesterday at the IMO Headquarters in London's Albert Embankment by participation of IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu
The famous world map of the Ottoman admiral Piri Reis has been transformed into 59 separate pieces of tile by Fahri Çetinkaya, an artist in the Aegean province of Kütahya, renowned for its tiles. The tile map is now at the wall of International Maritime Organization's Headquarters, as a present of Republic of Turkey at IMO.Ceremony held yesterday at the IMO Headquarters in London's Albert Embankment by participation of IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, Turkish Science, Industry and Technology Minister Nihat Ergun, Turkey's ambassador to London Mr. Unal Cevikoz, MSC 92 in London for meetings delegations participated in the delegation to Turkey and other countries.
Speaking at the reception following the ceremony, Minister Ergun, pointed out that the great Turkish admiral Piri Reis in 1513, completed the famous map and said, "showing the continents of the Atlantic Ocean and the environment it works brilliantly, cartography made significant contributions to the world," Reminding that UNESCO declared 2013 as Piri Reis year, Minister Ergun cited as follows:
"Piri Reis map of the world working on the benefit of all mankind, especially mariners. Tremendous work in this study were donated to the cultural patrimony of the world. And we work today, no matter what field you need to take into account the interests of humanity and the common ideal. However, if we move forward with such an understanding we can build a livable world for all of us. Acting on this understanding,, that's the point I would like to express how much we care to contribute to the work of the IMO " Ergun IMO emphasized Turkey's dedication to "clean seas, safe trade" and said they would continue to support.
IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said thatPiri Reis map also demonstrates the contribution of Turkey to the world's maritime.
Sekimizu; recalled that last year he was for a for a meeting in Istanbul, and with this opportunity he was able to watch closely, the modern VTS system Turkey established at the Turkish Straits.
Sekimizu, reminded by saying; 'Zero Accident campaign also started in Turkey last year"
Sekimizu, expressed satisfaction of Turkey's contribution to IMO "clean seas safe trading" activities in accordance with the joint principles. Sekimizu hanging in the entrance of the building, moreover, as a gift to the IMO and thanked them for the Piri Reis map tile panel. After the ceremony, the guests were served Turkish food and baklava.
