In order to increase Turkish-Greek solidarity, mutual cultural and art events will be organized this summer by Bodrum Municipality, Leros Municipality, and Defne Dafni Turkish-Greek Association.

Hasan Fehmi Yaşar, the Chairman of Defne Dafni Turkish-Greek Association, and Nilüfer Tarıkahya, the Secretary General, who have been organizing cultural and art events between the two neighboring countries for many years, visited Ahmet Aras, the Mayor of Bodrum to discuss the cultural and art events to be held between Bodrum and Leros.

Yaşar, the Chairman of Defne Dafni Turkish-Greek Association, who expressed his sadness about the earthquakes that occurred in the center of Kahramanmaraş, began his speech by stating that the Greek people, especially those living on the islands, mobilized to help the earthquake region and emphasized that sending aid through Bodrum has been the greatest example of solidarity between the two communities for centuries. He thanked Mayor Aras for his efforts in the earthquake zone and said that they also participated in relief efforts in the region by setting up three kitchens.

Nilüfer Tarıkahya, The Secretary General of Defne Dafni Turkish-Greek Association, expressed her happiness about Bodrum's participation in the joint projects they have been carrying out between the two countries for many years through culture and art, and said that the solidarity that has existed for centuries between the two neighboring tourism cities, Bodrum and Leros, will be further strengthened by the events to be organized.

Mayor Aras, who always believes in the unifying power of culture and art, said:

“There is no doubt that our unity, togetherness and friendship bring us together. Our traditions, customs, and ways of living, which we have brought from the past to the present, constitute our cultural heritage. And every culture has a value. As local administrations, we would like to express our satisfaction that we will contribute to the preservation of our culture in the cultural and art events where this interaction takes place most intensively."

It was announced during the meeting, which was attended by Bodrum Municipality – ‘Culture Inc.’ managers, that the events planned to be held in July between the two tourism cities will last for 3 days.