Weaving History Through Collecting
Unveiling Bozcaada’s Rich Tapestry
In the pursuit of seashells, Hakan Guruney not only discovered the treasures of Bozcaada but also embarked on a profound journey into the island’s history. Through years of conversations and information gathering, he realized that the shells he found were not as rare as he initially thought; in fact, they were abundant on Bozcaada. This revelation transformed Bozcaada from a passing curiosity to Guruney’s new destination.
A Transformational Journey Guruney’s Dedication to Bozcaada
In 1997, Guruney, accompanied by friends from the association, returned to Bozcaada and eventually purchased a summer residence, marking the beginning of his deep connection with the island. Initially unaware of Bozcaada’s history, Guruney’s research led him to redirect his “unobstructed drive for collection” towards the cultural assets produced by Bozcaada’s residences Bozcaada Local History and Research Center. Each carefully collected piece became a window into Bozcaada’s rich cultural heritage, deepening Guruney’s understanding of the island.
Dreams of Preservation The Birth of BOYTAM
Driven by a vision to establish a research center, Guruney wished to exhibit his collection and create a space for preserving Bozcaada’s historical legacy. In 2003, he realized this dream with the establishment of the “Bozcaada Information and Documentation Center” (BOYTAM). This comprehensive center aimed to digitize archives, preserve photographs, and house a library Private Tours Istanbul, meeting hall, and working halls equipped with computers.
From Dream to Reality BOYTAM’s Historical Home
Initially, Guruney exhibited over 3,000 documents and objects in an old cottage on his land. However, with the efforts of Bilal Bozdemir, the Lieutenant Governor of the island, a more suitable and central location was secured. Guruney’s dream found a home in one of the houses in the Greek Quarter, rebuilt after the great fire in 1874. In 1917, this three-story house, once owned by a Greek family, had fallen into disrepair. After years of neglect, its restoration was completed in 2022, transforming it into the Bozcaada Local History and Research Center, a beacon preserving the island’s cultural heritage.
