Thursday 03 May 2007 - The Learning Turkish project visited Mr. Greg Kiez the CTK law firm in Karakoy. Greg, a fluent Turkish speaking Canadian, presented me with a copy of Geoffrey Lewis' book on Turkish Grammar.
Gokce, Greg and myself. Greg is rather shocked at just how bad my Turkish really is.
"Good luck Ned, you'll need it!"Friday 04 May 2007 - Today NPP received another notice of rejection, this time from the 2007 Istanbul Art Biennale. Among the projects rejected was Learning Turkish:
Dear Ned Pamphilon
As the curator of the 10th International Istanbul Biennial... “Not Only Possible, But Also Necessary: Optimism in the Age of Global War”... However considering the numerical and spatial restrictions as well as the necessities of the integrity of the exhibition, I regret to tell you that I was unable to integrate your work in the exhibition... I’d be delightful to see you at the Opening Ceremony of the Istanbul Biennial, scheduled to be on 07 September 2007.
Best Regards
Hou Hanru
Curator
10th International Istanbul Biennial http://www.iksv.org/
Blah blah blah........ Oh yeah Mr Hanru, thank you for your letter of rejection. The Rainbow Bridge and Learning Turkish projects would fulfill your international and domestic aims. However, it's your gig and your choice.
Monday 14 May 2007 - Today we secured funding for the Learning Turkish project. Game on!
Friday 18 May 2007 - NPP MakerArts met Arzu Sekirden and Emre Ustuner at Concept Languages in Etiler: http://www.turkishcourses.com/ and http://www.liberationx.com/ to discuss potential collaboration on the Learning Turkish project. A trial lesson is arranged for next Tuesday 13.00hr.
Saturday 19 May 2007 - NPP image Ataturk's Eyes is beamed across Taksim Square to commemorate 19 May 1919 when Ataturk headed to Samsun to begin the war of independence. Gokce and I filmed the scene for inclusion within the Learning Turkish project.
Tuesday 22 May 2007 - 13.00hr and a trial lesson with Arzu at Concept Languages. Despite the presence of cameras and lights, Arzu managed the lesson perfectly well and was perhaps pleasantly surprised that I knew more words than might have been expected. I have to be re-programmed to better listen and understand the Turkish language. Below we see Gokce and cameraman Serder in the room with Arzu and myself.
Fehmican has completed a 4 minute teaser film which we saw today.Wednesday 30 May 2007 - Presented the Learning Turkish teaser film to Ali Gureli at the Sofa Hotel in Nisantasi. Interview with Tommason Nelli from The Turkish Daily News.
Thursday 31 May 2007 - Met Turkish Daily News photographer Hasan Altinisik (gold light) at the Lutfi Kirdar I.C.E.C. for a photograph shoot.
Friday 01 June 2007 - Turkish classes begin with the first official lesson with Arzu at Concept Languages 10.00 - 13.00hr. The same day The Turkish Daily News feature Ned and headline: British Artist is Turkey's Audrey Hepburn...
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=74688
Monday 04 June 2007
Luke Adams put the Learning Turkish teaser promo onto You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Having approached the Istanbul Live Earth organisers Purple Concerts last week, we find an article in The Turkish Daily News referencing the Rainbow Bridge project:
"Finding it meaningful that July 7, 2007 was chosen because there are seven oceans and seven continents in the world, Yeldan stated that Turkey also has seven neighbors and Istanbul has seven hills. He indicated that they were trying to have the Bosporus Bridge painted the seven colors of the rainbow."
http://www.turkishdailynews
Ned attends one on one and group Turkish lessons everyday this week. Today's lesson with Arzu began at 10.00hr.
Wednesday 06 June 2007 - Group lesson with teacher Mine at Concept Languages with students Andrea, Sara and Maria from South Africa, Spain and Portugal. Ali Yildirim is again supporting NPP activities on his Tarkan Deluxe blog:
http://tarkandeluxe.blogspot
Cheers mate!
Thursday 14 June 2007 - Fehmican accompanied me to Concept Languages. On the return journey met American Alex on the Metro. Alex speaks fluent and almost perfect Turkish .
27.06.2007 - Ned dropped by the MHP temporary tent in Etiler out of curiosity; it is on the way to school everyday and it can be fun to say hello regardless of political affiliations.
28.06.2007 - Kerem has bought a new camera for the NPP Mker project from New York. NPP having pc/IT problems.
29.06.2007 - Went to Riba Kuafor in Levent.
Go to 14.07.2007 Istanbul street markets
