Mardin Culture and Art Talk: Language, Biennial, and Multilayered Memory

A talk titled 'Mardin in the Context of Cultural and Artistic Currents' was held in Mardin, delving into the city's cultural production and artistic dynamics. Featuring writer Metin Aydın and art critic M. Wenda Koyuncu as speakers, the event discussed Mardin's historical heritage, multicultural structure, and its place in contemporary art. The talk particularly focused on the language issue and the cultural impact of the Mardin Biennial.

Metin Aydın emphasized that language is a fundamental structure shaping a society's way of thinking and aesthetic perception. In a multilingual geography like Mardin, he argued that preserving language requires a critical cultural policy beyond a folkloric approach. Aydın also evaluated book reading recommendations in the context of the Mardin Biennial as an indicator of a cultural deficiency, stressing that culture and art discussions should be reconsidered through language, thought, and intellectual continuity.

M. Wenda Koyuncu highlighted that Mardin is not only a historical and touristic city but also a center for cultural production and intellectual debate. She examined the relationship between the city's multilayered memory and contemporary art, as well as its impact on social transformation. While acknowledging the Mardin Biennial's contribution to the city's cultural visibility, Koyuncu noted that the extent to which this visibility reflects on independent production spaces and the cultural fabric should be critically discussed.

The language issue was a common theme among all participants. Writer Mustafa Aydoğan stressed that language is a fundamental element carrying a society's memory and cultural continuity. Artist Remzi Sever stated that approximately 53 parallel exhibitions were organized within the Mardin Biennial, but emphasized that such production should continue beyond the biennial. Other notable attendees included Îrfan Amîda, Gani Türk, Mehmet A. Başkurt, Roza Tulga, and Selmet Güler.

Held at Kebikeç Sahaf, the talk sparked important discussions on Mardin's cultural future. Participants emphasized the need for sustainable art policies, support for independent cultural spaces, and stronger ties between cultural production and local communities. Recalling that Mardin has historically been a meeting point for different peoples, it was stated that culture and art keep social memory alive. The event laid the groundwork for new ideas regarding the city's cultural and artistic life.