Cultural heritage of fertile lands

Culture isn't limited to artistic expression; it permeates every aspect of our daily lives, influencing how we think, feel, and behave. History also plays a decisive role in the formation and development of culture.

The Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli is one of the regions whose past has shaped our present. Settled since antiquity, the area is known as "Arcadiopolis" due to its founding in the 4th century by Arcadius, son of Theodosius and later the Eastern Roman Emperor. It was a key stop on the historical Silk Road to Europe. Furthermore, the land is fertile, due to its mineral richness due to being submerged in prehistory and the influence of the Istranca Mountains today. Until 100 years ago, wine could even be produced from grapes grown in the region. However, due to population exchange and migration, this production ceased.

Exactly 100 years later, in the early 2000s, Arcadia, founded by Zeynep Arca Şallıel with her father, tourism professional Özcan Arca, became the first vineyard in the region to produce wine grapes. In other words, they ensured the continuity of a culture through both the brand's name and their initiatives. Şallıel describes Arcadia as "a multidisciplinary living space encompassing agriculture, a production system that transforms agricultural products, hospitality, gastronomy, and tourism." After expanding their business to a certain extent, they stopped. Şallıel, who also teaches at Yeditepe University, says, "When my father and I set out on this journey, we didn't set ourselves any goals of growth. We will always remain small, an SME. We will not become giants."

FRENCH MOVIES SHOWED

Arcadia's vineyard hotel, Bakucha, has historically hosted cultural and artistic events such as concerts. However, thanks to a collaboration with the Institut Français Turkey, selections from French cinema can be watched amidst nature. Furthermore, film screenings and events are open to everyone, not just hotel guests. Last week, Eric Besnard's 2021 film "Delicious" premiered. Tomorrow, legendary director François Truffaut's "Small Change" (1975) will be released. Next week, on July 25, Denis Imbert's "On the Wandering Paths," released in 2023, will be available for viewing.

THE BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED

One of its most striking aspects is its approach to cohabitation, or "cohabitation." As part of this approach, nearly 120 bird species have been observed in the vineyards. Some of these, such as the imperial eagle and lesser kestrel, are endangered species. There's a swallow's nest on the balcony of every room. Şallıel explains that they worked with two nature photographers for a year and a half to document this natural diversity. Their goal now is to publish a book featuring these bird photographs.