The 4th International Mediterranean Literature Days Concluded in Bodrum

23 Jun The 4th International Mediterranean Literature Days Concluded in Bodrum

Organized for the fourth time this year in collaboration with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Bodrum Municipality, and the Livaneli Foundation, the International Mediterranean Literature Days brought together literature and art enthusiasts in Bodrum. Dedicated to the memory of the legendary actress Filiz Akın, who passed away this year at the age of 82, the two-day event featured a program filled with literature and cinema.

The first day of the event began with opening speeches by President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Bodrum Tamer Mandalinci, artists Müjdat Gezen, and Zülfü Livaneli. The speeches highlighted the unifying power of literature. The day continued with the screening of a short film featuring Türkan Şoray, followed by a solo performance by Pınar Seli and a concert by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Symphony Orchestra.

A Second Day Filled with Literature and Cinema Encounters

The second day began with opening remarks by Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Bodrum Tamer Mandalinci, and Şule Bucak. Following the speeches, a short film about the life of Filiz Akın was screened for the audience. The program was attended by CHP Muğla MP Süreyya Öneş Derici, CHP Bodrum District Chair Tuna Işın, Mayor of Ardahan Faruk Demir, İlker Başbuğ, Aylin Livaneli, Şule Bucak, Barış Atay, Evanthia Reboutsika, Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, Türkan Şoray, Zülfü Livaneli, Tilbe Saran, Nefeli Oikonomou Pantzou, and Prof. Dr. Onur Bilge Kula.

In the Footsteps of Two Masters: An Evening of Art-Filled Conversation

The cinema segment, which began with the screening of the film “Yılanı Öldürseler” (To Kill a Snake), drew great interest from the audience. Immediately following the screening, two legendary figures from the worlds of literature and cinema—Zülfü Livaneli and Türkan Şoray—held an unforgettable conversation with the audience. Memories drawn from the heart of art merged with thoughtful dialogue, as Livaneli’s literary journey and Şoray’s graceful narrative devoted to cinema created a captivating atmosphere in the hall.

Messages of Gratitude from Artists and Mayors

Zülfü Livaneli expressed his gratitude to those who contributed to the event, saying:

“Türkiye has never lacked artists. There have always been artists in every era, but few leaders have appreciated and worked alongside them. We are truly grateful to the leaders who support us today.”

Müjdat Gezen drew attention to the country’s current atmosphere with his words:

“One of the most beautiful things about being human is the ability to laugh, but unfortunately, we have been made to forget how. I don’t know what we can genuinely laugh at in this country without feeling a pang of sorrow.”

Şule Bucak also shared her thanks, saying: “We are deeply grateful to our foundation’s founder, dear Zülfü Livaneli, for the value he places on art and culture, and for the hope he gives our people through his music. He always says, ‘If only we lived in a country where we no longer needed to say ‘my brave one, my lion.’’ If only that were true. We’re so glad you exist, Zülfü!”

Barış Atay said: “Literature will always be part of our lives and will continue to nourish us. What will sustain our struggle is the strength we draw from the battles waged within those literary works—fought over decades, centuries, even millennia. As an artist, I will do my best to reflect, interpret, and present them to people in a way that does them justice.”

Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan remarked: “It’s very difficult for one person to truly understand another. Living together is even more difficult. But are we giving up on love, on walking side by side, on sharing a life together? We are not. That’s how I see the relationship between cinema and literature. The depth of literature is one thing; the depth of cinema is another. Not better or worse—just different. We will continue to love one another. Because in the end, what matters is love. Love is the affliction of the lonely. There is no love in herds. We will stay away from the herds.”

Mayor of Bodrum, Tamer Mandalinci, who hosted the event, said: “I am truly delighted to welcome our esteemed artists, actors, and thinkers here in Bodrum. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the realization of the 4th International Literature Days, held this year in memory of Filiz Akın.”

Mayor Aras: “We Will Continue to Stand by Art and Artists”

At the closing of the 4th Mediterranean Literature Days, Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Aras emphasized that the event not only celebrated art, but also fostered peace, freedom, and social solidarity.

 “This journey we started four years ago continues this year as well. The Mediterranean is our shared culture. It is a place where peace, democracy, human rights, and civilizations converge. That’s why we launched the Mediterranean Literature Days. We will use the power of words and images in the strongest way possible to lead this country back onto the enlightened path of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This event, which grows each year, is extremely valuable to us. As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we will always continue to stand by art and artists.”