Turkish authorities oppose installation of statue dedicated to Hrant Dink in Istanbul

January 24, 2011 - 15:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - With the 'Monument of Humanity,' sculpted by Mehmet Aksoy in the eastern city of Kars, already a subject of controversy, authorities are delaying the installation of Aksoy’s broken-winged white dove statue, which he has dedicated to Hrant Dink, and he is planning to sue Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“The Monument of Humanity, dedicated to Turkish and Armenian people, and even the little broken-winged white dove are enough to scare some people,” Aksoy says.

Aksoy completed his sculpture of a broken-winged white dove coincidentally just a short time before daily Agos editor-in-chief Dink was assassinated on Jan. 19, 2007. Aksoy knew Dink closely; he decided to place the sculpture at the place where his body fell. The dove would have symbolized Dink. After meeting with Dink’s family, he applied to the Sisli Municipality and the plan was approved.

“They first gave me permission and work started on the installation of the piece. But later, they took a step backward, citing various reasons. One of the reasons was that the glass was slippery and would cause people to fall and break their leg. Although I told them that I would find nonskid glass, they did not change their mind,” Aksoy said. “They not only prevented the white dove sculpture from being erected, they also said they would name the avenue after Hrant but they have not.”

In response to Aksoy’s claims, Sisli Deputy Mayor Vasgen Barin, said “Aksoy did not make the sculpture for Dink. He decided later to dedicate it to him.” Aksoy noted: “I do not deny that I made the sculpture before his death, I told this to Dink’s family, too. I don’t understand what they are trying to say. I don’t have any financial expectations, either. Should I have made the sculpture after the assassination?” Hurriyet Daily News reported.