‘Iliad’ vigil: Eternal words resound in Homer’s true land on World Poetry Day
Troy Museum Director Ridvan Golcuk is seen reading from Homer's Iliad while standing before the intricately carved Polyxena Sarcophagus, which depicts scenes from ancient mythology, Troy Museum in Canakkale, Türkiye. (Photo via Troy Museum)
On March 21, the Troy Museum hosting an extraordinary literary event—a continuous 24-hour reading of Homer’s “Iliad” in front of the legendary Polyxena Sarcophagus. This unique marathon, held on World Poetry Day, aimed to preserve and amplify the voice of one of Anatolia’s greatest poets.
In an exclusive interview with Türkiye Today, Ridvan Golcuk, director of the Troy Museum, described the event as a “Continuous Epic Vigil.” He emphasized that this was not merely a poetry reading but a collective effort to reclaim and celebrate Anatolia’s oldest and most profound oral tradition.
“This is the first time in Türkiye—and even in the world—that ‘Iliad’ is read non-stop for 24 hours. By participating in this event, we are not only reading a poem; we are safeguarding Homer’s voice, ensuring that his words continue to resonate across generations.”
Homer: Voice of Anatolia
Homer, believed to have lived in the eighth century B.C. in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), is often regarded as the first great poet of Western literature. His epics, “the Iliad” and “Odyssey”, shaped the foundations of storytelling, heroism, and mythology. Although commonly associated with Ancient Greece, Homer’s works were deeply influenced by Anatolian culture and oral traditions. His words, carried by the winds of time, have echoed across continents, passed down through generations.
Golcuk highlighted this connection, stating, “Many people today think of ‘Iliad’ as a work of Ancient Greek culture, but we know that this epic was born on the shores of Canakkale, shaped by the winds of Izmir, and rooted in Anatolia’s millennia-old storytelling traditions. Homer’s Troy is our Troy. His words were sculpted by the Anatolian breeze and carried forward by the voices of its people.”
Reviving an eternal epic
“The Iliad” recounts the Trojan War—the first recorded clash between East and West—an event that, according to archaeology, took place around 1240-1230 B.C. in the VII-a layer of Troy. A thick layer of ash found in this stratum supports Homer’s narrative, indicating that the city was indeed set ablaze by the Achaeans.
By gathering at the Troy Museum to recite this epic, participants did more than honor a literary masterpiece; they reaffirmed their connection to Anatolia’s ancient past. “Reading ‘the Iliad’ is not just about revisiting history—it is about preserving our cultural memory,” Golcuk explained. “This event is a call to keep Anatolia’s voice alive. If ‘the Iliad’ falls silent, a piece of our identity is lost.”
An invitation to the world
The 24-hour vigil was open to volunteers who took turns reading “the Iliad”, allowing time itself to flow with Homer’s words. While daytime readings were held within the museum, nighttime sessions took place at the entrance ramp, ensuring that Homer’s verses never ceased to echo.
“This was not just a reading—it was a statement. By keeping Homer’s voice alive, we are making sure that Anatolia’s echoes never fade,” Golcuk concluded. “And as long as we continue to read, to speak, and to remember, Homer and his epic will live on.”
Through this landmark event, the Troy Museum has set a precedent for literary preservation, proving that an ancient epic can still inspire, unite, and define a civilization. According to Golcuk, “the Iliad” will not be forgotten, and Homer’s voice will not be silenced. The echoes of Troy will continue to resonate—forever.
