© A. Usal - Meriç Bridge

Within the framework of its global initiative “Culture: A Bridge to Development”, UNESCO is organizing, in co-operation with the Governorate and Municipality of Edirne, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahçeşehir University, and the Balkanika Foundation, a regional encounter which aims to bring together and promote exchanges in South East Europe among culture professionals, municipalities, intellectuals, universities, and the private sector.

Three round tables will take place: “Culture as a motor for social cohesion and peace”; “Rivers, cities, history – a discussion between Mayors”; “Bringing history back home: reconciliation through the return of cultural objects”.

This event is the first of a series planned for the region, with a view to provide spaces for sub-regional and regional exchange among various actors.