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FROM WORDS TO NOTES: THE III. INTERNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN LITERATURE DAYS

27.07.2024

Mayor Mandalinci: "May literature guide your journey and music be your friend!"

The III. International Mediterranean Literature Days, organized by the Livaneli Foundation, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Bodrum Municipality, was held at Ramada Resort Wyndham Bodrum with extensive participation.

The III. International Mediterranean Literature Days, held on July 26-27, featured various events and and was attended by Ahmet Aras, the Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality; Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Livaneli Foundation Founder Zülfü Livaneli, along with deputy mayors, municipal council members, artists Sıla Gençoğlu, Teoman Yakupoğlu, Harun Tekin (a member of the rock band; mor ve Ötesi), Musicologist Henning Schmiedt, Paris Konstantinidis, Livaneli Foundation management, General Director of the Association of Cultural Centers & Libraries of the Northern District of Moscow Aleksandra Ilina, notable figures from the art community, representatives of NGOs, political party representatives and members of the press.

Sıla Gençoğlu & Zülfü Livaneli Surprise with a Duet

The event, themed around Literature and Music, opened with a cocktail reception at the INA Underwater Archaeology Institute. Opening remarks were given by the Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan municipality Ahmet Aras, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Artist Zülfü Livaneli, Harun Tekin, a member of the rock band Mor ve Ötesi and the former UK Ambassador to Türkiye Peter Westmacott, who all expressed their pleasure at being in Bodrum for the third edition of the event. Guests enjoyed a classical music performance by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Orchestra and a surprise duet by Sıla Gençoğlu and Zülfü Livaneli.

A Packed Second Day of Events

The second day, starting in the morning at Ramada Resort Wyndham Bodrum, featured two sessions discussing "Literature & Music”.

"We will work tirelessly to protect our city's treasures"

In his speech, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci emphasized their commitment to hosting and sustaining meticulously organized events like the Mediterranean Literature Days. He remarked:

"As local administrators, we are aware of our duty to work tirelessly to protect our city's treasures. We have adopted the principle of maintaining a stance that honors the cultural and artistic heritage of Bodrum in every event and organization we participate in. Artists, authors and historians who have lived and created in Bodrum have greatly contributed to promoting our city and embedding its name in collective memory. I thank all the masters of literature and music who contributed to organizing this event, all friends who strive to blend Bodrum with art and literature, and of course, you valuable participants."

"As mayors, we pledge to always support the arts"

Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Aras noted that this year marks the third edition of the event, each with a different theme, saying, "Today, we feel the necessity of using the power of literature and music, the power of words, as a crucial link in transforming the country. Culture, literature, history, music and art are perhaps the most important windows for politicians. Leaders familiar with these fields are undoubtedly successful. Atatürk, even in the most challenging conditions, read and founded the Music Society. He envisioned connecting society with culture. Art is powerful and something that makes people happy. We must support the arts. As CHP mayors, we pledge to always support the arts."

In the first session of the Literature and Music-themed discussion, Artist Zülfü Livaneli, General Director of the Association of Cultural Centers & Libraries of the Northern District of Moscow Aleksandra Ilina and Musicologist-Pianist Henning Schmiedt discussed the long-standing relationship between literature and music.

Zülfü Livaneli, addressing culture and art as a whole, noted:

"We are aware that culture and art cannot solve all the world’s problems. However, we need art to make the wheels within society turn more smoothly. Art also aids politicians. It is the easiest way to foster mutual dialogue."

General Director of the Association of Cultural Centers & Libraries of the Northern District of Moscow Aleksandra Ilina emphasized the importance of leveraging the interaction between literature and music, mentioning that they include music in their libraries dedicated to literature.

Musicologist-Pianist Henning Schmiedt highlighted that literature creates vivid images in the mind, while music transcends the boundaries of time and the relationship between the two arts reflects a universal language.

Highlights of the Second Session: Sıla & Teoman

The second session of the III. International Mediterranean Literature Days featured Sıla Gençoğlu, Teoman and Musicologist Paris Konstantinidis, who shared their views on the place of music in our lives and the reflections of literature in music.

The 2024 International Mediterranean Literature Days ended with a family photo session that saw broad participation.