Ecumenical Patriarch at inauguration of exhibition “City of Drama – A Bridge of Friendship”

The captivating history and vibrant cultural heritage of the Greek city of Drama unfold through time in an engaging photo exhibition titled “City of Drama – A Bridge of Friendship.” Hosted at the Galata School in Constantinople, this exhibition is the brainchild of the NGO “Cyclops,” spearheaded by its founder and generous benefactor of the region, businessman Aris Theodoridis.

The inauguration of the exhibition took place in the esteemed presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, hosted under the auspices and backing of the Consulate General of Greece in Constantinople. The event was further enriched by the unveiling of a remarkable historical tome titled “ADRIAS. They were all heroes”, issued by “Cyclops”.

The aim of both the photo exhibition and the presentation of the tome was to highlight the bonds of solidarity that unite the Greek and Turkish people. The tome recounts a remarkable naval episode from World War II, spotlighting an untold tale of Greek-Turkish friendship in the Aegean during 1943. Meanwhile, the photographic homage underscores Drama’s enduring significance as a birthplace shared by Turks and Greeks with a shared heritage.

Comprising 135 images sourced from private and public archives in Germany, France, and Greece, the photographic tribute was accompanied by insights from local historian Dr. Georgia Bakali. The exhibition “City of Drama – A Bridge of Friendship” showcases visual representations of the city spanning from its Ottoman era to the contemporary period, alongside captivating portrayals of its surrounding natural beauty.

Among the 135 photographs, 76 are captivating black and white snapshots capturing the essence of everyday life in bazaars, cafes, educational institutions, and social gatherings. Of these, 50 images date back to the period between 1896 and 1922, while the remaining 26 depict scenes from 1925 to 1955.

Source: ANA-MPA