Thessaloniki, Cutural Centre of Islahane, April 13rd – June 10th, 2022

The European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments (EKBMM) organized the wood carving exhibition “Youth Touch to Traditional Wood Arts“, in the framework of the project “Traditional Touch to the Preservation of Wooden Heritage: Master Hands-Young Brains Cooperation Project” which was implemented with funding from the program “Grant Scheme for Common Cultural Heritage: Preservation and Dialogue between Turkey and the EU-II (CCH-II)”, by the University of Istanbul and the EKBMM and by the YAPIMED, the Graduates and the Members Society of Istanbul Zincirlikuyu Technical and the Constructional Vocational High School. Collaborating partner was the Zincirlikuyu ISOV Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School.

The exhibition was part of a series of actions aimed at promoting and protecting the art of wood carving in Greece and Turkey, the continuation of traditional techniques in the art of woodworking, creating dialogue and transferring know-how from old craftsmen to new students. It highlights aspects of woodcarving in the Byzantine-Post-Byzantine and Ottoman tradition and at the same time highlights the dynamics of this tradition in modern times. Includes contemporary works of students of traditional wood carving of EPA.S Kalampaka “Wood Carving and Decorative Furniture”. The supervisory material comes from the Ephorates of Antiquities of Grevena, Drama, Evia, Zakynthos, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kastoria, Kefallinia, Kilkis, Kozani, Corinth, Laconia, Lesvos, Magnesia, Pella, Messlia, Pelissia, Messina & Evritania, Halkidiki & Mount Athos and Chania, as well as the Faltaits Museum in Skyros. The video is a production of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Halkidiki and Mount Athos. On behalf of Turkey, the supervisory and audiovisual material comes from the YAPIMED, the Graduates and Members Society of Istanbul Zincirlikuyu Technical and Constructional Vocational High School, as well as Dr. H. Işıl Kocabaş, project manager on behalf of the University of Istanbul.

In addition, educational activities were offered for school groups and guided tours for the public. The educational program entitled “In the Secrets of the Taliadoros” which was addressed to primary and secondary school groups, with the aim of introducing students to the art of wood carving and raising awareness on issues of preservation and protection of wooden cultural heritage through creative activities.