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Folklor ile Tarihe Yolculuk

2025-3-TR01-KA152-YOU-0003844502025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: TR|RO|IT|BG|EL · Grant: €30,896
Bridging intercultural, intergenerational and social divideCreativity, arts and cultureCultural heritage

Objectives

The project aspires to transmit the symbolic meanings, cultural values, and narratives embedded in Turkish folk dances, musical traditions, and traditional costumes to young people, while simultaneously fostering an environment where these cultural elements can be shared with peers from different European countries. Based on the premise that dance and music should be regarded not merely as artistic performances but as carriers of cultural memory and historical identity, the initiative seeks to position these traditions as pedagogical tools within youth work practice. The principal objective of the project is to enhance cultural awareness and intercultural dialogue among young people. By exploring the narratives, motifs, and symbolism inherent in Turkish folk culture, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how cultural heritage shapes identity, values, and social cohesion. In parallel, they will be encouraged to reflect upon their own cultural backgrounds, engage in mutual exchange, and critically analyze similarities and differences across traditions. Such processes are expected to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity, which are fundamental values underpinning both youth work and European citizenship. A further aim of the project is to empower young participants with digital skills by integrating cultural heritage with contemporary tools of expression. The stories and cultural elements explored during workshops will be transformed into short films and digital narratives produced by the participants themselves. This approach will enable them to assume ownership of the learning outcomes, while simultaneously developing media literacy, creativity, and collaborative competences. The dissemination of these digital outputs through international platforms will ensure that the project’s impact extends beyond direct participants to a wider European youth audience. From the perspective of youth work, the project emphasizes active participation, non-formal learning, and social inclusion. Many young people perceive traditional culture as distant or irrelevant; therefore, the project seeks to demonstrate that folk dances and music can remain relevant and engaging when approached through interactive and participatory methods. Group activities, performances, and creative productions will support self-expression, enhance communication skills, and promote collective creativity. These experiences will contribute to young people’s personal development and strengthen their motivation to participate actively in cultural and civic initiatives. Furthermore, the project intends to bridge local and European dimensions of culture. While rooted in Turkish traditions, the participation of young people from different countries will transform the project into a genuine intercultural learning process. Participants will engage in comparative reflection, recognizing cultural similarities and differences, thereby understanding culture as a dynamic and evolving process shaped through dialogue and exchange. Ultimately, this process will contribute to a reinforced sense of belonging to both their local and European communities. The specific objectives of the project are as follows: To raise awareness among young people about the historical, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of Turkish folk dances, music, and traditional clothing. To promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between young people from Turkey and other European countries through non-formal education methods. To strengthen young people’s digital storytelling competences and foster the use of modern tools for the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. To encourage active participation, creativity, and self-expression through collaborative cultural and artistic activities. To develop young people’s personal and social competences, including empathy, teamwork, tolerance, and respect for diversity. To foster a stronger European identity among young people by encouraging reflection on both local and international cultural dimensions. In conclusion, the project seeks to establish a meaningful youth work practice that interlinks tradition with innovation, local heritage with international exchange, and cultural learning with digital creativity. In doing so, it aims to ensure that young people not only become more aware of the richness of Turkish folk culture but also act as active multipliers of intercultural dialogue and inclusive European values.

Project partners (5)