A Brief History Of The Çanakkale Biennial
Istanbul is not the only Turkish city that holds a biennial. We travel to Çanakkale, the town nearest to the ancient site of Troy, which has also been hosting its own biennial since 2008.
Hosted by the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative, a local non-profit organization that produces artistic and cultural ideas and events, the Çanakkale Biennial made its debut in 2008. Aiming to examine and criticize social problems, both locally and globally through works of art, the biennial has successfully integrated contemporary art into the city’s everyday life.
Two international exhibitions organized by the initiative formed the basis of the first biennial, while the second biennial held in 2010 explored ‘The New World Order’. By the time the third biennial was being organized, the rise of the Arab Spring, with is roots in Tahrir Square, further denoted a sense of this new world order. The critique of the social, political, and economic factors that gave way to a global sense of restlessness through works of contemporary art became the event’s basis.
In terms of event locations, the biennial chose historic Çanakkale sights such as the Er Bath, the Old Armenian Church, and the abandoned buildings in the Fevzipaşa district to create a confluence between everyday life and art. The biennial also focused on underrepresented community members such as children and teenagers, as well as the disabled and people with gender identity issues, in order to increase their participation and creativity.
The works of more than forty celebrated artists from all over the world will be on display for locals and visitors. While the biennial will exhibit at venues throughout Çanakkale’s center, one of the main venues will include MAHAL, Çanakkale’s first alternative art space. Formerly an oaknut depot, the multifunctional art space is located on the shores of the Sarıçay River. Other main venues include the Piri Reis Museum, Mekor Hayim Synagogue, the Korfmann Library, Çanakkale Archaeology Museum, and Çanakkale Ceramic Museum, among others.
For more information on the biennial, visit their official website.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
