What is the “With the Wind of Homer” Project?
With Hippoi, a replica of an ancient sailing vessel, a voyage will be carried out across the Aegean Sea from Urla to Bozcaada, powered solely by the wind. The journey of Hippoi (a horse-headed ship)will offer a historical experience while at the same time serving as a symbol of the message for a sustainable and clean future. Beginning in Urla, İzmir and ending in Bozcaada(Tenedos), this voyage will be both a tribute to the past and a cultural and environmental legacy to be passed on to future generations.
What are the Features of the Hippoi (Ship)?
Hippoi, as described in Homer’s works, was built by the 360 Degree History Research Association using an experimental archaeology approach and entirely ancient shipbuilding techniques. The vessel was constructed without nails, using only the “peg-and-tenon” (kavela-zıvana) method. The epic journey narrated in Homer’s epics 2700 years ago is being brought back to life today with the sponsorship of Enerjisa Üretim Company. On its route from Urla to Bozcaada, Hippoi embodies both respect for the past and a cultural legacy to be passed on to the future.
The Importance of Homer
Homer is not only the founding figure of Western literature but also a symbol of Anatolia's cultural heritage, particularly in Izmir. Believed to have been born in Smyrna (modern-day İzmir), Homer immortalised the memory of the Aegean and Anatolia through the epic poems Iliad and Odyssey. From the Trojan War to the shores of the Aegean, from the winds of the Mediterranean to the cities of Anatolia, these narratives are not only literary works but also carriers of history, culture, and identity.
Project Stakeholders
* Enerjisa Üretim Company
* Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
* Urla Municipality
* Bozcaada Municipality
* CarrefourSA
* TINA (Turkish Institute of Nautical Archaeology)
* DS Communication
