On the Day of the Poet on 6-7 August in Bozcaada

by Haluk SAHIN

The third annual  "day of the poet" Homer Reading will take place in Bozcaada on 6-7 th of August this year.  The distinguished Turkish poet lhan Berk have accepted to recite his poetry and lead the reading of Homer’s Iliad in his role as the poet of the day.

The program will begin  at 19.45 on August 6th, Friday  in  Salhane Bar with a poetry recital by Ilhan Berk.  This day coincides with the first day of the grape harvest in Bozcaada (Tenedos); the islanders have traditionally chosen the 6th of August for starting to cut their famous "Áavu" table grapes.

As in previous years, the first Homer reading will be held at sunrise on the beach behind the castle and in front of the Kaikias Hotel Saturday morning.

Those wishing to attend the reading will congregate on the beach at 6:00 and wait in silence until the sun appears at 6:24 behind the Anatolian mainland, slightly to the south of ruins of Troy.  Poet Berk will perform the opening reading.

The only requirement for participation in the day of the poet is a copy of the Iliad  in any language.  Last year the Iliad was read in seven languages including ancient Greek.  The main text this year as before will be Azra Erhat an A. Kadirís  translation into Turkish published by Can Yayinevi. Last year the reading stopped at the end of chapter 12, so it will commence from the first lines of Chapter 13.

The morning reading will end at 9.00 o'clock for a breakfast break..  Those interested will meet at 11.00  for a discussion session on the relevance of Homer and The Iliad for the Bozcaada and Turkey as well as the rest of the world at Kaikias Sanatevi .

This year's discussion is likely to focus on Wolfgang Petersens film "Troy", the centuries-old debate whether the Turks are related to the Trojans, and the recent archeological discoveries regarding Troy.  Members of the archeological team excavating Troy, including  Prof. Manfred Korfmann, are expected to participate in the event.

The evening Iliad reading will start at 18.00 hours and continue till 20.00 hours.  The closing reading will be performed by the poet of the day,Ilhan Berk.  

Mr. and Mrs. Berk will be the guests of Kakias Hotel and stay at the "poet's room" while in Bozcaada.

Previously,  Cevat Çapan  served as the poet of the day twice, first year on his own, and the second year on behalf of Ulku Tamer who could not come due to ilness.  Poet Çapan will be among the participants along with a number of other poets and literary figures..
   
Talay wines will again produce a specially labeled commemorative wine  for  this year's reading. Those wishing to participate must arrive on the island on the afternoon of the 6th., the latest.  They should make their own arrangements for accommodation.  Belgin Sahin will be available on 0542 611 84 16  or belginsa@yahoo.com for help and further information.

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