Art meetings in the courtyard: Traces of art in Söke's stone courtyard

The Pehlivanlı family, who have lived in the quiet stone streets of the village for years, aim to revitalize art in the village with this first gathering. They believe art should flourish not only in the galleries of big cities, but also in the village square, in the shadow of the stone wall, under the bougainvillea.

Nine artists producing a wide range of work, from painting to sculpture, ceramics to digital art, will take part in this special event:

Bala Kavlakoğlu, Bekir Kıraç, Bilal Hakan Karakaya, Malik Bulut, Oktay Ünalan, Samed Arda Selim, Serpil Erdem, Sibel Ünalan and Tuğçe Diri.

Faruk Pehlivanlı, one of the organizers of the event, said that this gathering was not only a commemoration but also a rebirth:

"The artists will be searching for a breath of fresh air in the village's stone walls, old courtyards, and spaces still steeped in traces of the past. We are excited to see this village anew through their eyes."

The aim of the "Art Meetings in the Courtyard" isn't just to organize an exhibition; it's to bring together artists and space, history and memory, and villagers and visitors in a shared atmosphere. In the coming years, plans are to invite other artists, make the event a tradition, and even expand it to international levels.

For six days, anyone visiting the village will be able to witness this artistic journey through the stone streets. The courtyards will house the artists' productions, and visitors will become natural witnesses.

Art Meetings in the Courtyard I is not just an art event; it is an invitation that serves as a bridge between the village's memory and the spirit of art.

October 6-11, 2025

Old Doğanbey Village, Söke