The third Theodorakis Culture and Peace Days, “Theodorakia 2007,” was held last week in Çeşme and Chios Islands. Mayor Faik Tütüncüoğlu welcomed the swimmers, who swam all the way from Chios Island, and the Greek committee in Çeşme. On the second day, a Turkish group comprising 30 people and the Greek guests went to Chios Island where activities were held in Mikis Theodorakis open air Amphitheatre.
Mikis Theodorakis peace prizes this year were handed to Çeşme head official Nazmi Günlü, Alaçatı Mayor Muhittin Dalgıç and Çeşme Tourism Director Osman Kabasakal. Chios Deputy Mayor Dimitri Mandirakos said it was of vital importance that the children of the two countries get to know each other and their cultures to ensure peace and reinforce friendship. Chios Mayor Pantelis Vroulis also underlined that they would provide any necessary support to increase ties between Turkey and Greece.
“In previous years the first international team to provide aid after the earthquake in Athens was the Turkish team. It was because we are neighbours, because we are friends. These events organized by Çeşme and Chios municipalities reinforce the feeling of unity among the people. We invite politicians to act for peace and friendship,” said Tütüncüoğlu.
Included in the activities of the organization, choir students from the Ege High School Elementary Department sang songs in Greek and Turkish and performed folk dances. On the third day, a Turkish committee of 130 participated in the concert by the Theodorakis orchestra at the Mikis Theodorakis open air Amphitheatre.
Domestic News - Resource: Turkish Daily News
