Works and historical role of the Byzantine poet, composer, and hymn writer Kassia, one of the first female figures in the history of the art world, were discussed at the "Reimagining Kassia" colloquium hosted by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) Conservatory, BAU Communication Faculty Cartoon & Animation departments and Istanbul Women's Museum in Pera Campus. At the event, the opening of the BAU Conservatory's music ensemble class, which will bear Kassia's name, was also held. Kassia Class plans to inspire BAU Conservatory Music Department students as a production space from jazz to classical.
The event brought together art lovers and researchers from many different disciplines. Stavros Christodoulidis, Deputy Consul General of Greece, also attended the colloquium. Christie's Education London instructor Dr. Cecily Hennessy emphasized in her presentation that Kassia has taken essential steps for feminism and that her art has a universal value, especially in Istanbul.
BAU Conservatory Music Department Lecturer Dr. Özgecan Karadağlı moderated the panel. Notably, Greek Deputy Consul General Stavros Christodoulidis, Christie's Education London instructor Dr. Cecily Hennessy, City University of London Faculty Member Dr. Alexander Lingas, Curator of the Istanbul Women's Museum Meral Akkent, and also many experts made their contributions to the hybrid colloquium. During the colloquium, topics such as the artistic significance of Kassia's works and contemporary art education for women were discussed.
City University of London faculty member Dr. Alexander focused on the spread, usage, and perception of hymns from her time to the present. Lingas, in his presentation titled "Kassia and the Traditions of Byzantian Music." Lingas said, "Today, we see that hymns are influential in the pop world. Greek popular singer Maria Koch and American singer and songwriter Frank Turner included arrangements similar to Kassia hymns on their albums. With all of this, you can see how music has survived over a thousand years without being forgotten."
On the other hand, Dr. Cecily Hennessy talked about Kassia's childhood and youth in Istanbul in her presentation titled "Kassia the Girl." She also spoke about how she took on her art and social role as a woman. Dr. Hennessy emphasized that Kassia is a powerful woman and said, "Kassia, known as the value of Istanbul, was born in an aristocratic family in Constantinople between 805 and 810. In the years Kassia was born, women had almost no rights, although Kassia had a high level of education. Kassia is one of the women who laid the foundations of feminism. She has always touched on women's rights and feminism while performing her art. Even after centuries, Kassia's influence still lingers in the world."
The colloquium continued with a special animation screening prepared by the BAU Faculty of Communication Cartoon & Animation Department. The animation was about Kassia, which has a special place in history with her struggle for freedom of art against the religious and male-dominated authorities of the period, as well as the works she produced in the 9th century.
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