"Add Your Voice to Mine" Music Workshop

The "Add Your Voice to Mine" (Sesime Ses Ver in Turkish) music workshop, part of the 15th Istanbul Biennial under the theme of "Good Neighbor," was a project organized by Beyond Borders. This event brought together Turkish and migrant musicians living in Turkey, aiming to foster communication and friendship through music. Led by workshop coordinator Evrim Hikmet Öğüt, the workshop included participants like Omar Alkilani, an 18-year-old Syrian musician performing on İstiklâl Avenue, who shared his journey and challenges as a refugee musician.

The workshop aimed to build a network of solidarity to facilitate musical collaborations between migrant and local musicians, resulting in both temporary and permanent projects and lasting friendships. The session featured discussions about participants' stories, experiences, and needs, culminating in a jam session of improvised music. This demonstrated the transformative power of music in bridging cultural divides and fostering solidarity in Istanbul's diverse musical landscape. The event was covered by Bianet and Müzikte Kalmaz, highlighting its impact and significance.