A few months ago, I was visiting the Taxiarchis church on Lesvos with friends and their 6 year-old daughter. At the church, we introduced her to the ritual of burning a candle and making a wish. She got fascinated with the idea and burnt one making a wish the way we did. Later on, when asked what she had wished for, her answer was “world peace”. I was damn sure that she had asked for the dress that her mum refused to buy an hour ago.

 

My heart cries out for my city, my country, and my home, the world, all of which seem to be falling apart… A few hours after I took this photo at Leica Gallery in Bomonti enjoying Kurt Hutton photography in a festive mood on the last day of the year, Istanbul bathed in red. Again.

 

I cannot help but ask if it is fair enough to leave such a world to future generations, where 6 year-olds make a wish for world peace instead of a toy or a dress… Maybe it is a good sign? May our hearts be filled with compassion, wisdom and perseverance to create a better world.

 

Tags:  Bomonti Bomontiada Leica gallery Lesvos new year photography