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BODRUM’S CULTURAL BEACON: THE IV. MEDITERRANEAN LITERATURE DAYS
22.06.2025
The IV. International Mediterranean Literature Days Honor Actress Filiz Akın
The IV. International Mediterranean Literature Days, held on June 20–21 in Bodrum, brought together artists, writers, filmmakers and cultural figures under the theme “Literature and Cinema”. Organized by the Livaneli Foundation, in partnership with the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Bodrum Municipality, the event took place at the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Bodrum, drawing large public attendance and high-level participation.
This year’s edition was dedicated to Filiz Akın, the beloved Turkish actress who passed away at the age of 82. The opening ceremony was held at Inspera Bodrum Livaneli Stage, where Mayor Tamer Mandalinci welcomed guests with “Bodrum’s blue greetings” and the Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras emphasized the cultural significance of the Mediterranean as a cradle of peace, democracy and shared heritage.
An icon actor Müjdat Gezen offered a heartfelt and humorous talk, followed by Zülfü Livaneli, who underlined the enduring social role of art. The evening featured a concert by Pınar Seli and a performance by the Muğla Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, both warmly received by attendees.
On June 21, the second day of the festival continued at the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Bodrum, attracting wide participation from municipal leaders, cultural institutions, political representatives, artists and the media. Livaneli Foundation Secretary-General Şule Bucak officially dedicated this year’s program to Filiz Akın’s memory, recognizing her legacy in Turkish cinema. CHP Muğla MP Süreyya Öneş Derici also addressed the audience, highlighting the event’s international cultural relevance.
Mayor Mandalinci spoke of the healing, unifying and transformative power of the arts and expressed gratitude to both the Livaneli Foundation and Metropolitan Mayor Aras for their contributions. He also welcomed iconic actress Türkan Şoray, describing her not only as a cinema legend but as a protagonist in Bodrum’s own story.
The event featured a screening of the movie “Yılanı Öldürseler (1981)”, directed by Türkan Şoray and adapted from Yaşar Kemal’s novel. The screening was followed by a conversation between Şoray and Livaneli, offering reflections on the evolution of Turkish cinema.
Panels and talks explored the complex relationship between literature and cinema. Greek composer Evanthia Reboutsika emphasized music’s narrative role in films, while director Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, actor Barış Atay, voice artist Tilbe Saran and scholar Prof. Dr. Onur Bilge Kula shared insights on adapting literary works to the screen and the aesthetic interplay of text and image.
A special exhibition curated for the event featured 40 classic Classic Turkish Cinema (Yeşilçam) film posters transformed into oil paintings by artist İbrahim Enez, part of Nejdet Arkın’s private collection. Nostalgic film equipment and sound devices also offered visitors a glimpse into the golden age of Turkish cinema.
The festival concluded with a traditional “family photo” of all participants, marking another successful chapter in Bodrum’s growing reputation as a cultural beacon of the Mediterranean.
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