Can you paint on water? It turns out that yes. The art of Ebru is characteristic of Turkish culture – bits of dye are placed on a special liquid, which create unique ornaments or beautiful flowers, including tulips characteristic of this region, then transferred to paper or fabric. It was during Turkey Day, thanks to our guests from the Danube Dialogue Institute – artist Kübra Dali and Mustafa Aydoğdu, PR coordinator – that we could see such a show live.
We started the meeting by welcoming the guests, then we commemorated the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria with a minute’s silence, then we traditionally listened to and sang the national anthem of the country we are presenting. There was also a short history of Turkey, whose turbulent history was presented to us by Jan Haus. Our teacher, Busra Altan, told us about the most beautiful legends and myths. We were particularly touched by the story of Shahmaran – half woman, half snake, who was led to death by her lover. We were also enchanted by the sounds of the saz, a lute-like instrument, on which Yusa Sanli accompanied Aydin Dilek, who beautifully performed regional songs.
We also participated in a short Turkish language lesson, or rather a playful presentation of the so-called  false friends. This is where our trainees: Emre Aydin, Yusuf Araz and Osman Fatih Timurbanga, who for a short moment turned from students into teachers. Hasan Basri Aydinli, also our student, told us what to visit in Turkey.  Thanks to Ms. Katarzyna Zielińska and Anna Dmoch, students of the Lazarski University also learned how they can take advantage of the Erasmus+ program and, among other things, go to one of the universities in this beautiful and unusual country. The ladies also found a moment to not only provide the most important information, but also to organize a short competition.
At the end, we also got to know Turkish cuisine in the most pleasant way possible, i.e. through tasting. It was really delicious, and spinach in yogurt, Adana, Lahmacum and baklava will be permanently on our menu.