The 1st Güngör Dilmen Theatre Days concluded with a spectacular finale!

Organized by Bornova Municipality, the 1st Güngör Dilmen Theatre Days came to a memorable close after six days and eleven performances. The event, which drew significant attention with amateur theatre groups and children's productions, also featured the renowned playwright’s personal belongings and a recreation of his study in Kuzguncuk. In a heartfelt tribute, the foyer in front of the Yıldız Kenter Stage was officially named the "Güngör Dilmen Foyer", immortalizing two of the greatest names in Turkish theatre in Bornova.

Held at the Bornova Municipality Civil Society Organizations (NGO) Campus, the festival celebrated the legacy of one of Turkey’s most distinguished playwrights, Güngör Dilmen. Hosted at the Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center, the six-day cultural event brought together amateur theatre groups and art lovers from across İzmir, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with performances and artistic expression.

Throughout the six-day program, municipal theatre ensembles, NGOs, and amateur theatre groups staged a total of 11 successful performances. Children's plays presented during daytime sessions captivated young audiences, while evening performances for adults were met with full houses.

Yıldız Kenter and Güngör Dilmen united in Bornova

Throughout the festival, visitors enjoyed a special Güngör Dilmen Photo Exhibition in the foyer, showcasing the playwright’s personal belongings and theatrical memorabilia. A meticulously recreated version of his study in Kuzguncuk offered guests a nostalgic glimpse into the creative environment where many of his works were born.

The closing day featured a particularly meaningful tribute. During an official ceremony, the foyer in front of the Yıldız Kenter Stage was formally named the "Güngör Dilmen Foyer." Yıldız Kenter had performed the leading role in Dilmen’s acclaimed play Ben Anadolu ("I Am Anatolia") for many years. At the NGO Campus, where cultural associations from across Anatolia come together, the names of these two iconic artists now stand side by side as a lasting symbol of Turkish theatre.

Mayor Eşki: “Our greatest responsibility is passing these values on to future generations”

Speaking at the ceremony, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki expressed his pride in bringing Güngör Dilmen’s artistic legacy from Kuzguncuk to Bornova:

“From the historic streets of Kuzguncuk, Güngör Dilmen transformed Anatolia’s mythology, culture, and struggles into timeless literary works. By naming this space after him, we have taken an important step toward preserving his legacy. The greatest achievement of any society is not only raising remarkable individuals but also ensuring that their values are passed on to future generations. Introducing our children to Güngör Dilmen, his works, and his ideas at an early age is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful event, with the hope that many more Güngör Dilmens will emerge in the future.”

An emotional tribute from the family: “Visiting his home felt like entering another universe”

Speaking on behalf of the family, former national basketball player Devran Tanaçan shared childhood memories of his great-uncle and thanked Bornova Municipality for honoring his legacy:

“Playwright Güngör Dilmen was married to archaeologist Güngör Dilmen, who was my grandmother’s sibling. Since they shared the same name and surname, we affectionately called them ‘Male Güngör’ and ‘Female Güngör’ within the family. As a child, visiting their three-story house in Kuzguncuk felt like entering another universe. I still remember the scent of old books and the sound of his typewriter echoing through the room overlooking the Bosphorus. He devoted his life to educating future generations. After losing his academic position at Anadolu University following the events of September 12, he continued teaching young artists alongside Müjdat Gezen. He was also a passionate advocate for women performers, and his celebrated play Kurban was inspired by a true story. I had long felt that he had not received the recognition he truly deserved after his passing. For that reason, on behalf of my family, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and everyone involved for organizing this remarkable theatre festival and naming the foyer in his honor.”