OBSERVE
01.02.26
The first workshop, Observe, took the form of a collective walk through Nicosia, guided by artist Irini Georgiades. Starting at the Municipal Gardens near Paphos Gate and ending close to Famagusta Gate, participants followed a route along the buffer zone, using walking as a tool for observation, reflection, and discussion. The workshop encouraged participants to slow down and engage with the city in a more conscious way, paying attention to spaces, details, and stories that often go unnoticed in everyday life.
As the group moved through the city, participants reflected on themes such as borders, belonging, memory, and coexistence. The buffer zone provided a unique setting for these reflections, allowing participants to consider the social and historical realities that continue to shape Nicosia today. The walk also opened conversations about different experiences of the city and the ways in which urban spaces can feel welcoming, unfamiliar, or meaningful to different communities.
Participants received paper and pencils and were encouraged to record observations, thoughts, questions, and emotions that emerged during the walk. They were also invited to take photographs and collect small objects or materials that caught their attention. These personal archives became valuable resources for future workshops and contributed to a deeper engagement with the themes of the project.
