Notes from the International Peace Festival

Lesbos Island gained a much deeper meaning this year with the 1st International Peace Festival held from September 2 to 7, 2025. Migration, exchange, peace, identity, women’s stories, and friendship between the two shores came together through various events during the festival. This experience, which we could reach with just a 45-minute journey from Dikili, was unforgettable both personally and institutionally.

What Was at the Festival?

Documentaries, Talks, and Exhibitions

The festival area transformed into a cultural forum.

The watched documentaries, drawings by migrant children, exchange stories, and exhibitions reminding of the shared memory of the two countries attracted great interest.

Highlighted works:

• Oh Boy (2024)

• Searching for Rodakis (2023)

• Being Kicked Out for Peace

The discussions held after each screening created meaningful dialogue between the audience and the directors.

Stories Voiced through Art

• Drawings by migrant children

• “Where Memories and Hope Reside” photo exhibition

• Amnesty International's “World Tour in 8 Posters” projects

These exhibitions reminded us that migration is not only a numerical reality but also an emotional one.

More than a Festival: Participation and Corporate Role

For a brand like GÜVENTUR, serving on both shores of the Aegean, the festival was not only a place to watch but also a space to participate.

Corporate Presence Suggestions

• Brochures and QR code-enabled tour materials of Lesbos

• Representation in cultural diplomacy sessions

• A symbolic stand themed "Dikili - Lesbos Friendship Path"

Security and Organization Suggestions

• Create a participant communication list

• Prepare representative documents for group sessions

• Coordinate with local organizing teams if necessary

The Unifying Power of Music

Every evening there were music performances in Milena Kontou Square.

• Rebetiko concert by the Ayvalık Cretans Association

• Maranatha Refugee Choir

• Performance of Afghan artist Ghawgha

The festival concluded with a closing concert featuring artists such as Burçin Büke, Güvenç Dağüstün, Nikos Andrikos, Mehtap Meral, and Erdem Güreler.

Opportunities for 2026

The festival has inspired future steps for GÜVENTUR. Considerations for 2026 include:

• Develop joint cultural projects

• Contribute to the festival with volunteer teams

• Organize culture-themed micro-tours between Dikili and Lesbos

• Initiate cultural diplomacy efforts with local governments

Final Words

Peace is found not only at political tables but also in the streets, on the stage, in the frames of a documentary, in a child's drawing, and in a rebetiko melody. The International Peace Festival held in Lesbos reminded us of this truth once again.

The idea of friendship and co-creation between the two shores of the Aegean is no longer just a dream; it is a task that needs to be worked on. Next year, it is time to be not just an observer but also a co-creator.