Students from 31 schools across Greece, Cyprus, Johannesburg, and New York gathered in Istanbul for the 9th International Student Literature Conference, honoring the legacy of renowned Greek poet Kiki Dimoula. The event, held at the historic Zographeion Lyceum, celebrated both Dimoula’s work and World Poetry Day on Sunday.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew opened the conference with a powerful message, stating, “Poetry is the place where there is no place for those who see the almond tree with the eyes of the woodcutter.”
During the conference, scholars and students delved into Dimoula’s poetry, exploring themes such as mythical figures, reflections on the human body, and the contradictions within her work. A standout moment was the appearance of Dimoula’s daughter, Elsi, who shared personal stories, shedding light on the poet’s life beyond her poems—as a mother, a worker, and a rebel.
The conference concluded with the lasting presence of Dimoula’s poetry, which remained etched in the minds of attendees, its echoes transcending borders and capturing the essence of the city itself.
Kiki Dimoula (1931-2020) was a key figure in the second post-war generation of Greek poets. As a full member of the Academy of Athens, she is celebrated for her exploration of themes such as hopelessness, absence, and oblivion. Her work is marked by unconventional grammar and imagery, offering deep insights into human existence.
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