“Batak Arşiv – Balıkçıl,” one of the events of the Promises of Monsters exhibition, returns to Hara’s pool stage!

Developed in a studio built on the site of a former swamp in Istanbul, “Batak Arşiv” draws on mythological narratives in which reeds growing in wetlands continue to give voice to the secrets they hear from the wind. It is an ongoing sound-based project that explores wetlands as spaces of memory, transmission, and listening.

“Batak Arşiv” consists of handmade water flutes made from everyday and found materials. Technically, these flutes are simple devices made up of a whistling pipe and a water reservoir, bringing together the harmonic, single-hole overtone flutes used in the Balkans and the water-powered “whistling vessels” of South America.

“Batak Arşiv” takes different forms depending on its context: interactive instruments activated by visitors, site-specific installations played by waves, or small-scale improvisational performances in which the performers “play the water.”

The “Balıkçıl” version, taking place in Hara’s pool, draws on the movements of water birds. In this performance, which focuses on listening and the rhythm of repetition, sound emerges through movement and the flow of water.

Concept, design and instruments: A. Serkan Aka
Creation and performance: Basma Seiba, Selim Cizdan, A. Serkan Aka

Participation in the event is free; only a Hara entrance ticket is required.