Karşıyaka Hosts RESILIAGE Workshops and General Assembly
From 11 to 16 May 2025, the city of Karşıyaka and the broader Izmir region hosted an intensive week of activities for the RESILIAGE project. Organised by local partners, the event brought together the RESILIAGE consortium and CORE Labs for a vibrant programme of workshops, validation sessions, strategic meetings, and cultural encounters, all dedicated to advancing community resilience through cultural and natural heritage.
The week opened with a field study visit through Izmir’s historic landmarks, including Kadifekale, the Agora of Smyrna, and Kemeraltı Bazaar, setting the tone for deep engagement with local heritage. That afternoon, the consortium met for discussions on cultural-natural heritage and a preparatory session for the First Period Review.
Over the following days (13–14 May), mornings were dedicated to thematic workshops, exploring societal well-being, risk communication, inclusiveness, and soft solutions. Participants co-created strategies to strengthen disaster preparedness with a focus on vulnerable groups such as youth, women, volunteers, and first responders. These sessions helped translate project tools and methodologies into actionable local insights.
In the afternoons, the General Assembly convened the full consortium and CORE Associated Labs. Project partners shared progress updates from all work packages, discussed synergies, and aligned plans for upcoming deliverables. For many, the highlight was the rich exchange between CORE Labs and Associated Labs—bridging field experimentation with broader research and policy insights.
The RESILIAGE team had the honour of attending a special Europe Day concert by the Izmir Philharmonic Orchestra on 9 May. The invitation was extended by Prof. Dr. Aylin Göztaş of Ege University’s Faculty of Communication and advisor to Karşıyaka Mayor Yıldız Ünsal.
The evening offered a memorable cultural experience and a poignant reflection of the region’s rich heritage. The concert served as a powerful reminder that shared heritage can foster unity and resilience across communities.
