Babson History and Society professor Lisa DiCarlo is researching reactions to a photo exhibit of the diverse cultures of Turkey that is traveling through Turkey, Europe and the U.S.  Reactions are noteworthy since most citizens of Turkey are encouraged to consider themselves ‘of one kind,’ rather than a country of many traditions.

The exhibit, from the book Ebru: Reflections of Cultural Diversity in Turkey, by Attila Durak, is a photographic journey by Durak who is native Turk, a U.S. citizen, and who lives in both Istanbul and New York.

In her article, DiCarlo writes of the significance of Durak’s project at this time because of Turkey’s minority problems, and the international attention it is attracting for human rights violations in anticipation of qualifying for membership in the European Union.

DiCarlo’s academic research has been focused on Muslim to Christian religious conversions in Turkey, where she spent several months last year studying Christian converts’ decision-making processes and subsequent social consequences. Durak’s exhibit lends itself to her study and interest in identity politics, forming a natural path for both to pursue their areas of expertise.

Durak’s exhibit opened in New York City last May, followed by a Turkish debut opening attended by thousands in Istanbul last June.  Durak is currently in dialogue with an Armenian non-profit organization in Yerevan that is interested in bringing the exhibit to Armenia. It is also expected to appear in Moscow, Frankfurt – at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October where the theme is Turkey – and tentatively in Memphis, Tennessee at their Memphis in May Festival, where, again, Turkey is the theme.

Visit the website www.ebruproject.com to follow the exhibit sites.