Hello everyone. In this post, I’ll take you on a warm journey straight to the heart of the Mediterranean 😊
As part of the Peace of Art project, we set off on May 16–26 for Camposilvano, a small and peaceful village hidden behind the green hills of northern Italy. The bus we boarded in Verona took us through winding roads and endless countryside views to this hidden gem. After a long yet enjoyable journey, we finally arrived in the calm and enchanting atmosphere of Camposilvano. The moment I stepped into the village, I was immediately embraced by the serenity of nature and the surrounding tranquility. In this hidden village, we were about to experience something unforgettable with participants from five different countries, building lasting friendships along the way. After exploring the area with curious eyes, we headed to our hostel. Once we arrived, we took a short rest and then started preparing the dinner tables while waiting for the other participants. Even from day one, a genuine connection started to form among us. Although we spoke different languages, the excitement in our eyes, the sincerity in our smiles, and the curiosity we shared for this unique project united us.
The next day, we woke up to a sunny and peaceful morning in Camposilvano. On the first day of the project, we played small games to get to know each other. We formed a big circle and tried to learn each other’s names by saying them in a melodic way. After drawing each other’s portraits on paper, we went over the program and learned about what we would be doing during the project, how we should manage the process, and the responsibilities we needed to take on. After the introductory part, we gradually delved into the project details. First, we played a game called “Frustration Game.” The goal was to guide a blindfolded leader through a maze without stepping on the drawn boundary lines. This was a team game. We engaged in mutual discussion and came up with creative strategies to help our leader reach the end without crossing the lines. Although we came from different cultures, our aim was to unite under a common purpose and act collaboratively and creatively.
The Peace of Art project was designed to address various issues and express them in creative, striking ways to raise awareness. Throughout the project, we worked in different groups and quickly developed our creative thinking skills effectively. We learned how to generate different solutions to the challenges we faced and how to carry out tasks more efficiently through exchanging ideas within our groups. Starting with everyday conflict types, we explored global conflict issues and proposed solutions. We discussed the challenges faced by young people living in the EuroMED region and their needs. We brainstormed ways to increase youth participation and came up with various inclusive ideas in the field of youth. These ideas sparked new ones and led to even more growth. We didn’t just discuss our ideas—we brought them to life on stage and witnessed vibrant, meaningful moments. We explored concepts like formal, non-formal, and informal learning, created small sketches, and performed them in groups. Peace expressed through art wasn’t limited to painting; it was also conveyed through dialogue, diplomacy, and theatrical performances. Throughout the project, we took on different roles and gave life to our ideas on stage. We created videos addressing social issues with the aim of raising awareness.We also prepared creative posters to depict peace through the language of colors and expressed the reality of our dream world with artistic touches. We got lost in the lush meadows of Camposilvano, discovering the mesmerizing beauty of nature and feeling peace with every step
In the evenings, we held cultural nights featuring six different countries. While witnessing the richness of different cultures, we tasted traditional dishes, learned dances, and joined in the rhythms. With the same excitement, we represented our country in the best way we could. We served Turkish coffee, introducing our traditional coffee culture to our guests, and organized a henna night to showcase one of Anatolia’s vibrant traditions. We offered regional delicacies from Turkey, leaving traces of our culture not only on their taste buds but also in their hearts.
This project was more than just meeting different cultures—it became an unforgettable journey where I deeply discovered myself, expanded my thoughts and perspective by pushing my own limits, and truly felt the meaning of collaboration and solidarity. In this unique experience, where art, nature, and the bonds we formed came together, I rediscovered that peace and understanding are truly universal languages…
