As part of the European Mobility Week, the event “Freedom is Movement Ferry: Conversations on Cross-Bosporus Transportation” was held on Friday, 20 September 2024, on the Kadıköy–Beşiktaş ferry line. The event aimed to highlight the advantages of maritime transport as an environmentally friendly alternative and to reframe ferries as shared public spaces within the city’s social life. Hosted on one of Istanbul’s iconic ferries, the program gave participants the chance to enjoy live music during their sea journey while reflecting on sustainable mobility and social interaction.
The event began with a live music performance by Vokal Akademi as the ferry departed from Kadıköy Pier. Set against the tranquil atmosphere of the ferry ride, the performance created a unique experience for passengers. Following the concert, a discussion titled “The City and the Sea: Traces of Living Together” was held with Melda Horoz, Head of Transport Planning Department at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and acclaimed actor Mert Fırat. The session explored the historical and social importance of Istanbul’s coastal areas, emphasizing their role as meeting points for residents throughout history. While Melda Horoz stressed the importance of maritime transport in reducing traffic congestion and combating air pollution, Mert Fırat reflected on the place of ferries in Istanbul’s cultural identity.
The second session offered a more creative activity: the origami workshop “Dreams We Folded on the Ferry.” Before the workshop began, passengers were given paper to write down their personal memories related to ferry journeys. These stories revealed the deep connection between Istanbul’s residents and ferries, as well as the emotional impact of sea travel. Afterwards, participants folded origami boats, creating a playful and artistic experience that added another layer of joy to their trip while reinforcing the symbolic role of ferries as both a means of transport and an emotional bond.
In the final session, a talk titled “Eco-Friendly Transport: Traveling by Sea” was held with Özgür Soy, Head of Transport at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and well-known presenter Osmantan Erkır. The session explored the environmentally conscious aspects of maritime transport, its potential as an alternative to Istanbul’s heavy road traffic, and the role of sea routes in sustainable urbanization. While Özgür Soy highlighted the energy efficiency advantages of ferries, Osmantan Erkır underlined their cultural and social significance in Istanbul’s everyday life.
Throughout the event, it was emphasized that ferries serve not only as a means of transport but also as vital spaces for building social and cultural connections. Discussions highlighted how environmentally friendly sea transport could be a critical solution for Istanbul’s future.
This event became a platform to reflect on both the environmental and social impacts of maritime transport. It once again demonstrated that for Istanbul residents, ferries are not only a part of daily life but also an important step toward protecting the environment.
