Pera Street starts from Taksim Square in the center of Istanbul and reaches Galata. Along the street there are a number of historical buildings of the 19th century, mainly of a neoclassical style, such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Sismanoglio Megaron (which belongs to the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul), the Lyceum of Galata (one of the oldest educational institutions of the city), and the Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua, among others.
Akylas Millas (born in 1934 in Istanbul) is a doctor, historian and writer. His books contain a rich collection of buildings, documents and stamps, mainly of Asia Minor communities, documented with photographic material and sketches. By creating an archive from the remains of Asia Minor Hellenism, Akylas Millas highlights both the high intellectual and cultural level of the Greeks of Istanbul, as well as unknown elements of everyday life in the city. The Academy of Athens has honoured Akylas Millas for his intellectual contributions.
The exhibition will “revive” the buildings and street facades to scale (about 500 meters long) using the artist’s sketches. The exhibition will include audio-visual material from the wider region that encompasses a rich historical, architectural and cultural interest. Historical documentation of buildings, architectural details, as well as signs and stamps of the area’s shops will be presented in the form of photographs, texts, videos, sketches and additional material. In addition, it will include buildings produced to scale by a 3D printer.
Coordination: Culture Office of the Mayor of Athens
Click here for the Athens City Festival programme: https://cityfestival.thisisathens.org
