The eighth edition of the “Theotokia” Cultural Gatherings have officially begun with this year’s events kickstarted by Nikolaos Kaseris’ photographic exhibition ‘Fluid Light’.
The event, which is organised by the Yeniköy Panayia Greek Orthodox Church and School Foundation, commenced on Sunday 3 August with Kaseris’ exhibition and talk, with the presence and blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew.
Kaseris’ ‘Fluid Light’ incorporates various images centred on the year 2015, which the UN and UNESCO declared the International Year of Light.
The photographer recognised 2015 as a significant year marked by terrorist attacks, refugee shipwrecks, political and economic instability, and a rapidly worsening environmental crisis.
He also recognised 2015 was one of the rare years with thirteen full moons and so followed the light and recorded it each time it appeared with the final exhibition representing the pictures he captured.
The event featured accompanying sounds and text to add further flavour and context to the exhibition.
A whole list of events have been organised for August, the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panayia) in the church calendar, including concerts, exhibitions, talks, and book presentations.
The initiative aims to strengthen neighbourhood culture, keep shared memory alive, and make Istanbul’s multicultural structure visible through art.
The program, which centres on history, music, and art that highlights Istanbul’s pluralistic heritage, will continue until 10 September.
Event program:
- Concert: “Greek Composers and Singers on Vinyl Records”
Artists: M. Seitaniadou, N. Andrikos, F. Kokkala, E. Bayram
10 August, 7pm
- Boat Tour: “Theotokia in the Bosphorus”
Guide: Gani Ömür Çekem
13 August, 6pm
- Concert: “Black Sea Night”
Artists: Leftokaria & Onur Şentürk
26 August, 7pm
- Book Presentation: “Something Terrible Happened in Istanbul Last Night”
(The Last Witnesses Tell the Story of September 6-7, 1955)
Speaker-Author: Serdar Korucu
6 September, 6pm
- Photography Exhibition: “Yeniköy Through the Eyes of İzzet Keribar”
10 September, 6pm
