Main areas of work related to the Convention:
The Karagöz Association is actively engaged in significant activities related to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and stands out with its experience in this field. The Association conducts a series of events specifically aimed at preserving, sustaining, and promoting the traditional Karagöz puppet theater. Its recent works demonstrate its capacity and expertise in this area.
The Karagöz Association is involved in documenting and researching all aspects of Karagöz art. The Association conducts academic research to create inventories of Karagöz figures and other objects, collect play scripts, and document the history of this traditional art form. These efforts play a crucial role in preserving Karagöz as cultural heritage and introducing it to a broader audience.
Additionally, the Association places great importance on educational activities. The "Young Karagöz Puppeteers Project," organized by the Association, has been a significant initiative for transmitting the Karagöz art to younger generations. Furthermore, seminars, workshops, and performances contribute to ensuring the continuity of this tradition. The Association offers special
training programs for young artists to ensure the sustainability of Karagöz art in the future. It also organizes Karagöz-themed events for children and youth, aiming to introduce this art form in an enjoyable and educational way. Through the Istanbul Karagöz Festival, the Association has organized the country’s longest-running and largest Karagöz festival. In addition, it works closely
with primary school teachers, collaborating with them to pass on the living heritage of Karagöz art to children.
The Association also organizes important events to promote Karagöz art. These include local and national festivals, exhibitions, and performances. These events not only introduce Karagöz art to a wider audience but also contribute to the preservation of the traditional art form.
Finally, the Karagöz Association contributes to the recognition of Karagöz as a global cultural heritage by fostering cultural collaborations worldwide. Participating in international festivals and cooperating with other cultural organizations are integral parts of the Association’s global activities.
In this context, the advisory services provided by the Karagöz Association regarding the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage are based on significant experience at local, national, and international levels. The Association develops various projects related to the preservation of Karagöz art and other traditional arts, sharing its expertise in this field.
Objectives
The Karagöz Association was established in alignment with the spirit of the UNESCO
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the primary aim of preserving, documenting, researching, promoting, and transmitting the traditional Turkish play—particularly the art of Karagöz—to future generations. The Association operates with the conviction that the art of Karagöz must be safeguarded as a unique expression of cultural
diversity and human creativity.
While the primary objective of the Association is to ensure the safeguarding of Karagöz as intangible cultural heritage, it also actively supports its intergenerational transmission through education, encourages artistic production, enhances national and international visibility, and facilitates public access to this cultural expression. To this end, the Association organizes
workshops, panels, festivals, collaborative initiatives at both national and international levels, as well as research and publication activities.
The goals of the Karagöz Association extend beyond the preservation of Karagöz alone. They also include the promotion of traditional performing arts in general, the reinforcement of community-based safeguarding approaches, and the development of intercultural dialogue. In this regard, the Association considers its safeguarding efforts as integral to a broader vision of cultural sustainability and contributes to national cultural policies through its work in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
Cooperation
The Karagöz Association collaborates with various communities, groups, and individuals in the safeguarding and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The Association views the Karagöz art not only as a form of performance but also as a cultural heritage, and works to ensure its transmission across generations.
The Association works closely with Karagöz artists, sharing their knowledge and experience. These collaborations are strengthened through work with local artisans in the creation of Karagöz figures and puppets, aiming to preserve and sustain traditional arts. The Association organizes seminars, workshops, and events to support the training of artists and artisans, helping them to develop their expertise.
Additionally, the Association carries out various educational programs and projects to pass Karagöz art to younger generations. Through programs like the "Young Karagöz Artists Project,"young artists are trained and equipped with the skills necessary to preserve traditional arts. The Association also actively participates in local and national festivals, promoting interaction among communities and introducing Karagöz art to wider audiences.
The Association strengthens these collaborations with local communities, academic institutions, and other cultural organizations, making a collective effort to safeguard intangible cultural heritage at both national and international levels. These collaborations ensure that Karagöz art functions not only as a cultural form of expression but also as a unifying tool for communities.
