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Istanbul City Theatres premieres play on 1924 population exchange
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres has premiered a new play titled ‘Hayali’nin Hayali’ at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage. Written by Burçak Çöllü and directed by Yiğit Sertdemir, the production uses the perspective of a retiring Karagöz and puppet artist to recount the 1924 Turkish-Greek population exchange.
The play employs a legendary and fairytale-like narrative style to explore the devastating impacts of war and forced migration on individuals while emphasizing the universality of human emotions. The premiere was attended by various officials, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture, Art and Social Affairs Department Head Tolga Volkan Aslan and City Theatres General Art Director Ayşegül İşsever.
During the event, Ayşegül İşsever highlighted the historical significance of the theme, noting the personal and collective connections many have to stories of population exchange and the importance of preserving human friendships and shared histories.
Entities
Ayşegül İşsever · Burçak Çöllü · Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres · Yiğit Sertdemir
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- [● 3 SOURCES] The play 'Hayali'nin Hayali' premiered at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage on October 7, 2026. olaylar.net · www.ayancikgazetesi.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The play depicts the 1924 Turkish-Greek population exchange through the memories of a Karagöz and puppet artist. olaylar.net · www.ayancikgazetesi.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Burçak Çöllü wrote the play, and Yiğit Sertdemir provided the story idea and directed it. olaylar.net · www.ayancikgazetesi.com · www.sondakika.com