Fire of Anatolia’s Troy brings magic of myth to dance world

The internationally acclaimed dance ensemble Fire of Anatolia mesmerized art lovers with its breathtaking performance of Troy at the Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM). Blending Anatolia’s rich mythological and cultural heritage with ballet, modern dance, and other disciplines, the ensemble delivered an unforgettable spectacle.

Fire of Anatolia: Reviving the ancient city through dance

With a legacy spanning over 25 years, Fire of Anatolia has performed in more than 100 countries, captivating 50 million spectators worldwide. The Troy performance brings to life a mystical 3,000-year-old dream of Troy—the legendary city that has inspired world leaders and storytellers for centuries.

Through dazzling choreography and an evocative stage design, the show transports audiences to the heart of this ancient civilization.

‘Voice coming out of the ruins is voice of our own history’

Speaking about the significance of Troy in the Fire of Anatolia website, artistic director Mustafa Erdogan highlighted the deep historical and cultural legacy of the ancient city:

The western civilization is indebted to the Troy myth for its cultural inheritance and nothing else. The story, which was believed to have taken place in 1180 B.C., was revived by an Anatolian poet—Homer—who was born in Izmir. His immortal works, The Iliad and The Odyssey, secured Troy’s place as one of the most well-known legends in history.

What Schliemann has taught us is that: ‘The voice coming out of the ruins is the voice of our own history.’ Those who do not hear the voices of the past cannot hear the voice of the future. Fire of Anatolia is bringing the myth of Troy back to life. After three thousand years, we are welcoming this immortal composition of art and history in its motherland, where the illuminated city has inspired world leaders from Hittite King Tuthalia to Alexander the Great, from the Persian King Xerxes to Caesar, from Sultan Mehmed II to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Under Erdogan’s direction, Fire of Anatolia continues to push the boundaries of dance, blending traditional folk elements with contemporary movements.