Chinese artist Ai Weiwei visits Gaziantep mayor

“As an artist, this is one of the reasons why I am interested in the issue of migrants. When looking at your books, I saw that you call Syrians your ‘guests.’ I find very important what you have done for your guests; particularly in the field of education. Because these children are the future of all of us, not only of Syria. As an artist I will do my best to show this,” Ai said.

The artist said he would make a documentary on the story of Syrians who left their country because of the war, adding that Turkey had made great sacrifices for refugees.

Ai said the film would only play witness to a small part of history, while adding that he thought it would exert a great influence. “It will help people see what is happening in Turkey,” he added.

Şahin provided information about works conducted by her municipality in a number of fields, including education and health, during the discussion with Ai.

“European Union countries have two different viewpoints. We are wholeheartedly working to make one more person survive. But we cannot see the same sensibility in the countries that have 10, 20 or 30 times more individual income than us. They don’t want these people to approach them. International leaders should come together and take faster decisions for these people to live in their own country,” the mayor said. 

Şahin also said she had questions about the possible advent of justice and peace. Many committees have visited the region, “but they did nothing but pat us on the back. Only Japan provided support.”