History, art, and music meet in the same atmosphere at the Theodosius Cistern

The 1,600-year-old Theodosius Cistern, considered one of the oldest water structures on Istanbul's Historical Peninsula, continues to host contemporary art and music events. At the venue, which is operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Kültür AŞ, artist Seçkin Pirim's "Yesterday and Today" exhibition is meeting with visitors, while the "Sounds from the Depths" concerts, which highlight the cistern's acoustics, are held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

During a special event held at the cistern, the stories behind the works in Pirim's exhibition and the scope of the exhibition were shared with participants. Following the exhibition tour, Ezgi Barhan, one of the interpreters of acoustic music, appeared before the audience with her performance titled "Songs Blending into the Sound of Water."

The evening, where historical texture met contemporary art, was completed with music in the cistern's unique atmosphere. It was stated that as part of the program, the "Sounds from the Depths" concert series will continue to bring different musical genres together with the cistern's historical venue.

AUGUST PROGRAM

The event calendar includes Turgut Özüfler's Classical Turkish Music Kanun Recital under the title "Timeless Melodies" on Friday, August 14, at 20:30. On Saturday, August 15, TriOrient will perform with "East-West Divan," and on Sunday, August 16, the "Tribute to the Masters Concert - 2 Instruments 1 Voice" program will meet the audience.

Under the title "The Curtain Rises: Opera," an "Opera Night" will be held on Saturday, August 22. In the program, soloists Dilara Ataibiş and Kaan Mert Özbelen will be accompanied by Gizem Dalkılıç on the piano. On Sunday, August 23, soloist Berk Dalkılıç will perform "Opera Masterpieces" with piano accompaniment by Gizem Dalkılıç.

In the last week of the month, as part of "Classical Meetings," the concerts "Journey to Lyrical Melodies - Waters and Sounds" on Friday, August 28, "Classical and Romantic Period Selections - Trio MySia" on Saturday, August 29, and "Victory Symphony" on Sunday, August 30, will be held. The start time for all concerts has been announced as 20:30.

Born in Ankara in 1977, Seçkin Pirim completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the Mimar Sinan University Sculpture Department. The artist, who has participated in numerous local and international solo and group exhibitions, has had his works exhibited in institutions such as Borusan Sanat, Pera Museum, Museum Haus Konstruktiv, Glory Yeh Museum & Sculpture Park, Yverdon-les-Bains, and the Saatchi Gallery.

Known for his neo-minimalist approach, the repeating forms in Pirim's works reflect the relationship the artist has established with themes of existence, transformation, and returning to one's essence. Working with different materials such as plexiglass, paper, marble, and aluminum, the artist continues his life and production in Istanbul and London.

The Theodosius Cistern, which is estimated to have been built in the 5th century based on its architectural features, is used today as an experience space that brings together history, venue, and contemporary expression techniques. The cistern, operated by Kültür AŞ, is also open to visitors who want to discover the hidden historical layers of Istanbul.

News Source: 12punto