The ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ and New Famagusta Museum Festival aim to honor Famagusta’s history, using art and narratives as tools for cultural revival and healing. By connecting the past with the future, these initiatives seek to reconcile communities and inspire hope for a brighter tomorrow in the city.
What is the aim of Famagusta’s ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ and the New Famagusta Museum Festival?
The aim of Famagusta’s ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ and the New Famagusta Museum Festival is to honor the city’s history and foster cultural revival by using art and narratives as tools for healing, social engagement, and creating a shared understanding. These initiatives serve as a connective tissue between the past and future, aiming to reconcile communities and inspire hope.
Unearthing Memories in the Walled City
Famagusta’s walled city, once a vibrant hub of life and culture, stands as a testament to the resilience of its people. Aysu Arsoy’s ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ serves not just as a poignant reminder of the past but as a bridge to healing. Set in the Bandabuliya, the old municipal market of Famagusta, her project takes us on an emotional journey through the objects and stories of Varoshians. It’s a powerful act of remembrance, translating objects like toys and broken ceramics into narratives of life before displacement. Each piece in her collection uncovers layers of personal histories, forging connections from shared experiences. The New Famagusta Museum Festival (FNM) held here was more than an event; it was a transformative experience that invited attendees to shift their perspectives and embrace the past as a means to shape the future.
The festival’s ambiance was characterized by a series of events that stirred the conscience and hearts of those present. Through conversations with Varoshians and the examination of their cherished memories, participants gained new insights. The stories of Delik Plajı (The Hole Beach) and the café that once echoed ‘Oh Carol’ by Neil Sedaka were particularly evocative, resurrecting a time when the beach was a slice of paradise for the locals before the expansion of Famagusta port.
Art and Narratives as Catalysts for Change
Artists and researchers, known for their work on the Cyprus issue, came together at the FNM with a mission to drive social and cultural revival. The festival underscored the power of art to question, heal, and bring forth new ideas. Nurtane Karagil and Eralp Kortach, project leaders of the FNM, emphasized art’s role in shaping our perceptions of space and history. The festival became a crucible for change, molding new narratives and allowing a fresh look at the past.
The initiative also aimed to reconstruct the physical and social landscapes of the city. Former deputy culture minister Yiannis Toumazis envisioned the museum as a repository for collective memories and a catalyst for reconciling communities. With a focus on the future, the museum intends to lock away the horrors of the past and foster a harmonious rebirth of the city.
Walking Tours and Sound Maps: Stepping Through History
The FNM introduced an innovative approach to connect with the city’s past: sound maps. These immersive walking tours through Varosha and the old city allowed visitors to hear directly from those who have personal ties to the area. Each narrative, whether from former residents like Avghi Frangopoulou or from professionals like Serdar Atai, with his in-depth knowledge of the city’s heritage, painted an intimate portrait of Famagusta.
Musician Inal Bilsel’s ‘Hijacked Memory’ walk offered an alternative perspective, reflecting on the complexities of identity and belonging in a space that has witnessed profound changes. These sound maps, available for both locals and outsiders, serve as emotional guides that navigate through layers of the city’s storied past, providing an additional dimension to the reality of the spaces.
A Festival That Seeds Hope
The FNM’s closing events encapsulated the essence of its mission – to sow seeds of hope and understanding through shared histories and collective experiences. Interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances all contributed to a sense of optimism for the future of Famagusta. The festival did not merely recount the past; it reanimated it, infusing it with purpose and direction for the days to come. Through the engagement of all senses, the FNM provided a multi-faceted experience that left an indelible mark on its participants, offering a blueprint for how to navigate through a complex history with empathy and vision.
What is the aim of Famagusta’s ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ and the New Famagusta Museum Festival?
The aim of Famagusta’s ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ and the New Famagusta Museum Festival is to honor the city’s history and foster cultural revival by using art and narratives as tools for healing, social engagement, and creating a shared understanding. These initiatives serve as a connective tissue between the past and future, aiming to reconcile communities and inspire hope.
How does the ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ in Famagusta contribute to cultural revival?
The ‘Cabinet of Lost Memories’ in Famagusta, curated by Aysu Arsoy, serves as a poignant bridge to healing by showcasing objects and stories of Varoshians, the former residents of the walled city. Through these objects and narratives, the project helps to unearth personal histories, forge connections, and translate shared experiences into a powerful act of remembrance and cultural revival.
How did the New Famagusta Museum Festival utilize art and narratives for change?
The New Famagusta Museum Festival brought together artists and researchers to drive social and cultural revival by using art and narratives as catalysts for change. Through events, conversations, and exhibitions, the festival challenged perceptions, reshaped narratives, and provided a fresh perspective on Famagusta’s history. It aimed to reconstruct the physical and social landscapes of the city, fostering a harmonious rebirth and reconciliation among communities.
What innovative approach did the FNM introduce to connect with Famagusta’s past?
The FNM introduced immersive walking tours through Varosha and the old city using sound maps, allowing visitors to hear firsthand narratives from former residents and professionals with deep ties to the area. These sound maps provide emotional guides that navigate through the city’s storied past, offering a unique and intimate way to connect with Famagusta’s history.
