Major Event for the Future of the Mediterranean by the Metropolitan Municipality

11 Apr Major Event for the Future of the Mediterranean by the Metropolitan Municipality

In collaboration with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Menteşe Municipality, and the Institut Français Türkiye, the “Mediterraneo – Mediterranean, A Sea under Pressure” photography exhibition and the documentary screening East to West: the Mediterranean were held in Menteşe.

The exhibition combined underwater photographs by world-renowned explorer and photographer Laurent Ballesta—taken in the Cap Corse Protected Area of Corsica, France—with images captured by Tony Viacara at important diving sites in Gökova Gulf and Bodrum.

The opening ceremony, hosted at the historic Sekibaşı Hammam, was graced by the President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Ahmet Aras, Menteşe Municipality’s Mayor Gonca Köksal, Director of the French Cultural Center Gilles Roulland, Deputy Director Fabien Flori, along with representatives from NGOs and art enthusiasts.

The Exhibition “The Mediterranean, A Sea Under Pressure” Is Open Until May 7

Curated with narration by director Mert Gökalp, the exhibition aimed to raise awareness on environmental issues while shedding light on the shared destiny of the Mediterranean through the lenses of artists from different geographies. It was open to the public from April 9 to May 7.

Documentary Screening East to West: The Mediterranean Was Held

As part of the event, the documentary was screened on April 10 at the Konakaltı İskender Alper Cultural Center. Featuring marine biologist, writer, underwater photographer, and director Mert Gökalp, the screening gave attendees deeper insights into nature and marine life.

Gilles Roulland: “We Can Solve Problems by Coming Together”

“No one can solve problems alone. We must come together to do so, which is why we seek collaboration,” said Roulland. “Thanks to this team for uniting all stakeholders to find a solution. Those who visit the exhibition will understand why it is vital to protect the Mediterranean. I thank Mayor Ahmet Aras for this partnership.”

Mayor Köksal: “Let’s Not Forget the Mediterranean is Our Shared Heritage”

“We are honored to host this meaningful event,” said Mayor of Menteşe Municipality, Gonca Köksal. “In a historic venue like Sekibaşı Hammam, we are showcasing these exceptional photographs from both the eastern and western Mediterranean. Some were taken right here in Gökova Gulf. As we feel the effects of the climate crisis, let’s not forget that the Mediterranean is our shared heritage.”

Mayor Aras: “Mediterranean Culture Is a Microculture That Must Be Preserved”

Mayor Aras emphasized the historical ties between Türkiye and Francefor hundreds of years and their ongoing contributions. “This powerful exhibition shows the unique world beneath the Mediterranean—its richness and fragility. Climate change, rising sea temperatures, invasive species, plastic and chemical pollution are destroying its natural balance. The Mediterranean is sounding an alarm. Every image here reminds us that the sea’s depths are just as captivating and worth protecting. The Mediterranean is our shared memory and heritage. Mediterranean culture is a microculture that must be preserved.”