What does Tavla have to do with queer feminism or resistance? At first glance, not much. But if you look more closely, you will find countless parallels between this sport and culture. In this context, the game of Tavla as an urban (encounter) practice is connected to the local queer club scene; for there are DJ sets to be heard during the Tavla games and performances with Cay and Cekirdek. The format thus brings together isolated contexts. Queer Chess & Tavla Club is an interactive and site-specific format as a form of playful resistance. Because playing is not allowed in many countries, just like dancing and singing. Performances and music like pop music are strictly censored in patriarchal and authoritarian governments.
Zeki Müren and the Gezi protests
One of the famous political graffiti during the Gezi protests shows the likeness of singer, actor and poet Zeki Müren, also known as sanat güneşi (sun of art), with an appropriated line from his song. The word çile (torture) is replaced by TOMA (the police's armoured water cannons), resulting in the protest slogan "Tomalara gӧğüs geren, işte benim Zeki Müren" (The one who defies the TOMAs is me: Zeki Müren). A slogan that underlines the supporting role of the LGBTQIA* community, which was in the front rows of the protest barricades against the police. The lecture-performance explores the question of how Zeki Müren became one of the faces of the Gezi protests.
Bring food to share!
Von und Mit YEŞIM DUMAN
Host by Purple sappho, Julz & Mx Yess Chess
inkl. ZEKİ MÜREN AND THE GEZİ PROTESTS Lecture von GÜRSOY DOĞTAS
Part of 6. Berliner Herbstsalon GEZİ – TEN YEARS AFTER. Ein Prolog im Frühling.
