Balkan tale travels world in an exhibit

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The project is based on 50 specially commissioned photographs of Muslim, Christian and Jewish monuments in the Balkans, shot by award-wining photographers.

Aerides Bath in Athens will unveil a traveling photography exhibition, featuring the unique Ottoman works in the Balkans, on Feb. 10.

The exhibition titled “A Balkan Tale” is a Goethe Institute project, produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Anemon Company supervises its production, in partnership with over ten NGO’s and state funded organizations, and in collaboration with a team of historians led by Professor Christina Koulouri.

The project is based on 50 specially commissioned photographs of Muslim, Christian and Jewish monuments in the Balkans, shot by five award-winning photographers from Athens, Belgrade, Prizren, Skopje and Tirana.

Mosques, churches, baths, water aqueducts, houses and bridges are revealed in the exhibition with their historical features and current condition. Since 98 percent of Ottoman works in the Balkans have been damaged, the project aims to raise awareness for the protection of historic and cultural heritage in the region.

The photographs are accompanied by texts written by a team of historians across the region, a documentary, educational programs, historical walks and photography competitions for school children and adults. The exhibition is also accompanied by an audio tour, an installation of perfumes of the Ottoman era as well as a color catalogue, available for sale in English at exhibition venues.

Visitors can use QR-codes to connect their smartphones to the website, to access further information and photographs.

The exhibition will also move to Belgrade, Pristine, Skopje, Tirana, Brussels and Germany.

Documentary screening, education program

Within the scope of the project, there will be a presentation relating to the exhibit at the Goethe Institute, Athens, and a documentary titled “Silent Balkans” will be screened. The 30-minute documentary will also be shown on Greek SKAI TV for the 100th anniversary of the Balkan Wars. There will also be education programs in six languages as part of the project.

For further information about the project please visit www.balkantale.com.