BODY ARTS AND RESEARCH CENTER CENTER
Stoa, Between 2012 and 2022, it has hosted hundreds of art and philosophy workshops, an international theater festival, and thousands of artists and researchers.
Working, Meeting and Show Places
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Oğuz Atay Salonu
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Adalet Ağaoğlu Salonu
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Oğuz Atay Salonu
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Adalet Ağaoğlu Salonu
Current Events
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Who are we?
Stoa, which was founded by Celal Mordeniz, was established in 2012 with the contribution of a group of artists who were working in the field of theater and performance. Medrese, which was originally established for artists working in the field of theater and performance, has evolved into an international center over the years, including those interested in philosophy, social sciences, and literature. Therefore, the question of “Who are we?” continues to be answered anew with each new participant.
Why STOA?
The word "Stoa" primarily means "portico." When designing this space, which has hosted thousands of people, we envisioned an architectural form that would allow individuals to focus on their art while engaging in dialogic relationships with others. Our porticos played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, to varying degrees. Regardless of the season, day or night, the porticos have been home to communal meals, long conversations, heated debates, and artistic performances. They have become almost the founding and defining element of our space.
But there is more. "Stoa" is a word associated with a philosophical tradition that spans thousands of years and remains relevant today. We certainly don’t claim to be Stoics, but we realize that we have often unconsciously adopted many key Stoic principles in our journey. Chief among these is the Stoic tradition’s pursuit of a good life. According to this tradition, achieving a good life involves a quest for tranquility that transcends conflicts. For the Stoics, tranquility is nothing other than living in harmony with nature in the broadest sense, as nature is a masterpiece of design. Aligning with this marvel requires, when necessary, bearing losses with dignity rather than sorrow, and even welcoming death with open arms.
From the day the foundations of this space were laid until now, we have faced countless challenging days. Yet, we have viewed them all as part of the path toward a better world, greeting each with the same conviction, saying “welcome,” and we will continue to do so.
Unlike the tradition that considers integration with one’s polis as the fundamental condition for human fulfillment, Stoics believe the world is a cosmopolis and that everyone is a citizen of the world. We, too, envision Stoa as a small cosmopolis, much like during our Medrese years, open to all who are interested, without distinction of geography or identity.
In contrast to the moral codes of the current world, shaped by property, self-interest, and competition, we embrace the Stoic emphasis on ethics rooted in genuine friendship as we declare the establishment of Stoa.