During a month-long artist/writer residency in the Andalusia region of Spain, Yesim Agaoglu explored its rich natural and historical landscapes, drawing inspiration from the stories embedded in its surroundings. Moved by the region’s beauty and history, as well as the narratives encountered through reading and observation, she crafted a poem that delves into the emotional dimensions of forced migration.
This project combines poetry and visual storytelling, weaving together personal reflections with broader themes of displacement and resilience. The accompanying video, composed of photos and footage captured during the residency, enhances the poem’s evocative exploration of movement, memory, and belonging.
The project is part of the subthemes Re-imagining identity through poetry, Cultural Resilience - Literature as a force for social justice.
Author
Yeşim Ağaoğlu
Yeşim Ağaoğlu is a poet and contemporary artist based in Istanbul, Turkey. She holds an undergraduate degree in Art History and Archaeology from Istanbul University and a Master’s degree in Radio, TV, and Cinema.
Her poetry has been featured in various anthologies and translated into multiple languages. Her work has also appeared in renowned international literary magazines, including Akzente (Munich, Germany). Ağaoğlu frequently participates in international literary and poetry festivals, establishing herself as a recognized voice in global poetry.
In addition to her literary achievements, she is an acclaimed contemporary artist, gaining international recognition for her work across multiple artistic disciplines.
