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Turkish musician and writer Zulfu Livaneli received the Homer Science, Culture and Art Award at the 63rd International Troia Festival, officially opened at the ancient city of Troy in Canakkale.
Organized by the Canakkale Municipality, the festival kicked off with a ceremony at the archaeological site, bringing together local officials, international representatives, and guests.
Canakkale Mayor Muharrem Erkek presented the award to Livaneli during the opening ceremony while describing Canakkale and Troy as places closely tied to shared human memory, conflict, and peace.
Speaking at the ceremony, Erkek said Canakkale was not simply a city but part of humanity's common memory, adding that Homer, whose epic tradition is inseparably associated with Troy, could still be felt across the region.
He argued that Troy represented more than its surviving stones and ruins because it had become one of the earliest great stages on which human beings told stories about themselves.
"Troya is the first great stage where humanity told its own story. Perhaps that is why we still feel so close to Troya. Although thousands of years have passed, the human being on the stage has not changed much," Erkek said.
The mayor said the city once again used the festival opening to send out a message of peace to the world, declaring: "Let peace be our culture."
Erkek also drew a parallel between the ancient Trojan War and the battles fought in Canakkale 111 years ago, saying both represented the defense of Anatolia. He added that people who once fought against each other now lay side by side on the same land.
The ceremony coincided with the 111th anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory, which Erkek also marked during his address.
After his speech, Erkek handed the Homer Science, Culture and Art Award to Livaneli.
Livaneli said he was very pleased to receive such an important award at such a significant location and announced that it would be displayed at the Livaneli Museum in Ortakoy.
Professor Rustem Aslan, head of the archaeological excavation team at Troy, also presented Livaneli with his book, "Seyyahlarin Izinden Canakkale."
The ceremony additionally recognized the winners of the International Troia Festival poster competition.
Ibrahim Kagan Egricayir won first prize, while Idil Ozdemir and Kenan Yigit received honorable mentions. Erkek presented the awards to the participants.
The official opening wrapped up with Fox On Ice performing "Polyxena."
Canakkale Deputy Governor Polat Kara, representatives of foreign countries, chamber heads, council members and other invited guests attended the event.
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