Greek, Turkish artists unite in Izmir for 100th anniversary of population exchange

The “Karsi/Καρσί” project brought artistic initiatives from Greece and Türkiye together at its first gathering on Feb. 1 in Izmir.

Anadolu Kultur partnered with Greek art collectives NOUCMAS and TAVROS to organize the event, which focused on shared histories, memory, migration and ecology in the Northern Aegean.

The event took place at Izmir Chamber of Architects and featured discussions from artists and journalists.

The “Karsi/Καρσί” project marks the 100th anniversary of the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye and encourages collaboration between artistic communities across the Aegean throughout 2025.

Artists, cultural organizations in Izmir, Greece collaborate on shared histories

Anadolu Kultur representative Asena Gunal opened the event by emphasizing the role of culture and art in bringing groups with historical conflicts together.

She said, “This project is an important example of how culture and art can create dialogue between communities with historical prejudices.”

Gunal also read a message from Osman Kavala, the founding member of Anadolu Kultur. Kavala has been in prison since 2017, accused of attempting to overthrow the government.

In his message, Osman Kavala stated, “The Aegean is a sea that separates two continents, but throughout history, countless cultural bridges have connected its two shores. The Aegean is not just a sea but also a cultural space that shapes the emotions, desires, and traditions of the people on both sides.”

He also stressed the significance of revisiting shared histories, saying, “The traces and pain of political developments, violence, and social turmoil have left their mark on these bridges. I believe it is crucial to explore some of these together, creating a shared narrative through personal accounts.”

The project name, “Karsi/Καρσί,” has meanings in both Greek and Turkish, signifying “opposite” and “oppositional.” It represents the initiative’s goal of bringing artistic communities and cultural institutions in the Northern Aegean together. The Izmir event happened before the official meeting, where eight participating institutions from Türkiye and Greece will gather.

Artists, experts lead discussions on history, memory in Northern Aegean

The event included talks from well-known artists and journalists. Bruce Clark delivered a presentation titled “No Longer a Stranger.” Angela Melitopoulos and Kerstin Schroedinger discussed their project “From a ‘Passing Drama’ to the Industries of Denial.”

Artist Hera Buyuktasciyan presented “On Stones, Islands and Palimpsests: An etude on retracing absence within space and memory.”

Attendees engaged in discussions after the presentations, and organizers encouraged them to explore their own narratives in relation to history and memory. The “Karsi/Καρσί” project will continue until July 2025, creating long-term collaborations through mutual visits, research trips, workshops and public discussions.

Cultural events in Izmir from Feb. 2 to 7: concerts, theater and exhibitions

Visitors in Izmir can explore a diverse range of cultural events this week, including concerts, theater performances and exhibitions:

• Theater performances:
  • “Hayal-i Temsil” (Dream Representation), “Orfin’in Muzik Kutusu” (Orfin’s Music Box), and “Munasebetsiz” (Inappropriate) at the Konak Stage
  • “Ilerleme” (Progress) at the Karsiyaka Ragip Haykir Stage
  • “Umudunu Yitirmeyen Sigircik” (The Starling That Did Not Lose Hope), “Kral Olmak Istemeyen Aslan” (The Lion That Did Not Want to Be King), and “Rembetiko Efsanesi” (The Rembetiko Legend) at the Bornova Cultural Center Bozkurt Kuruc Stage
• Concerts:
  • The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Quartet Orchestra presents “Baris Manco’ya Saygi” (Tribute to Baris Manco) concerts at Alsancak Kibris Sehitleri Street, Ali Cetinkaya Boulevard, Konak Clock Tower, Bornova Kucukpark, and Karsiyaka Bazaar
  • The Izmir State Classical Turkish Music Choir performs at Bornova Cultural Center Rakim Elkutlu Hall on Feb. 6
  • The Izmir State Symphony Orchestra continues its regular concerts at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center on Feb. 7
• Opera and ballet:
  • “Sen Dul” (The Merry Widow) at the Bornova Cultural Center Necdet Aydin Stage on Feb. 4
  • “Italyan Aksami” (Italian Night) on Feb. 5
  • “Dort El Bir Melodi” (Four Hands, One Melody) on Feb. 7
• Film screenings:
  • As part of the fifth Children’s Film Festival, “Tembeller Ailesi” (The Lazy Family) will be screened at the Kinik Teachers’ Conference Hall
  • “Geceye Yolculuk” (Journey into the Night) will be shown at Izmir Art
• Exhibitions and workshops:
  • “Ancient Scents” workshop at the Izmir Culture and Art Factory on Feb. 3
  • A concert by the Gonul Dostlari Turkish Music Association on Feb. 5
  • Canan Yilmaz’s “Miniatures of Izmir” exhibition on Feb. 7
  • “Parsomen Bir Seruvendir” (Parchment is an Adventure) exhibition at the Pakistan Pavilion in Kulturpark on Feb. 5
  • A tribute to artist Seref Bigali at the AASSM Lower Floor Gallery on Feb. 6

The “Karsi/Καρσί” project and the cultural events this week illustrate Izmir’s growing role as a center for artistic exchange and cross-border collaborations.