From Croatia to the Mediterranean: Harmonies of Friendship at the Mediterranean Academy
On May 2, 2025, the İzmir Mediterranean Academy had the pleasure of hosting esteemed guests from Croatia. Held over an introductory breakfast, the gathering also served as a platform for cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Pınar Okyay, Deputy Secretary General of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality; Yener Ceylan, Head of the Department of Culture and Social Affairs; H. Gökçe Başkaya, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations; S. Semin Solak, Branch Manager of Foreign Relations; Batuhan Alpaydın, Coordinator of International Relations at İZFAŞ; and interpreter Ozan Şengül.
Following a presentation introducing the İzmir Mediterranean Academy by our Director, Zeynep Özen Barkot, our Academy Board Member and President of the Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association, Goran Beus Richembergh, shared insights into the association’s work. Members of the Croatian Clarinet Quartet—Mr. Bruno Philipp, Mr. Lovre Lučić, and Mr.Božan Bejo—also gave a heartfelt talk on their musical journey.
A Meeting Point for Friendship, Music, and Cultural Exchange: Bayındır Flower Festival
The presence of our Board Member and President of the Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association, Goran Beus Richembergh, along with Emir Grbic, Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Istanbul, further strengthened the bonds of friendship. The meeting contributed significantly to the cultural dialogue between Turkey and Croatia, while exploring future avenues for collaboration.
As the Mediterranean Academy, we extend our sincere thanks to our Croatian guests for their kind visit. We cordially invite all residents of İzmir to attend the captivating performances of the Croatian Clarinet Quartet at the Bayındır Flower Festival on May 2 and 3, 2025.
