MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC CAPTIVATES THE CITY DURING ''FRANCE DAYS''

Organized by Institut Français Turkey in collaboration with Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, the "France Days" festival is bringing art and environmental awareness together in unforgettable ways. Among the highlights is the Mediterraneo exhibition, which mesmerizes visitors with stunning images of the Mediterranean's underwater world. Alongside the exhibition, a variety of engaging workshops offer participants unique, memorable experiences that celebrate creativity and the wonders of nature.

The Mediterraneo exhibition, which opened on Wednesday, December 10 at the Atatürk Culture, Arts and Congress Center, is attracting great attention from visitors. Featuring works by French underwater photographers Laurent Ballesta and Tony Viacara, the exhibition reveals the mesmerizing atmosphere of the Mediterranean through stunning underwater shots. The unique images captured by the artists on canvas and through their lenses take viewers on a journey into the mysterious and colorful world of the Mediterranean.

Isabelle Dumont, France's Ambassador to Turkey, shared her great pleasure in viewing the exhibition.

Students visiting the exhibition had the opportunity to closely explore the fascinating life of the seas. During guided tours, they not only learned about the photography process but also listened to the artists' messages about environmental awareness. The underwater photographs, particularly those showcasing the Mediterranean ecosystem in detail, captured the young visitors' attention and curiosity.

As part of the festival, the "Plastic Waves Workshop" was also held at the Atatürk Culture, Arts and Congress Center. During the workshop, participants focused on the impact of plastic waste on nature and marine ecosystems, exploring ways to rethink and repurpose materials. After a brief introduction on the decomposition time and environmental effects of plastics, attendees created experimental surfaces inspired by "plastic waves", using plastic bags and packaging waste in various colors and textures.

In the "A Mediterranean Tale: The Olive Tree" workshop, participants were immersed in the mythological, cultural, and ecological stories of the ancient olive tree through guided play, movement, and sensory activities, taking them on a journey to the magical rhythm of the Mediterranean. At times embodying an olive leaf, a root, the wind, the sun, or even themselves, participants connected with nature and embarked on a truly enchanting, story-like experience.

Both the exhibition and the workshops left a lasting impression on visitors as a remarkable experience where art and environmental awareness came together.