The Europeans | European news, politics and culture Europe, an unfinished love story
May 15, 2025
Başak Layic, a talented storyteller from Istanbul now based in Amsterdam, sheds light on the European Dream from a fresh perspective. She shares a poignant tale of love and disillusionment, framed around a Turkish boy's infatuation with a girl named Europe. The conversation navigates her bureaucratic struggles and unique project using old refugee boats for storytelling. Layic emphasizes the importance of authentic narratives in reshaping the migrant experience, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of identity and migration in Europe.
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Turkey-Europe Love Story Metaphor
- Başak Layic shares a personal love story metaphor about Turkey and Europe, highlighting constant challenges and conditional acceptance.
- She illustrates a longing for Europe despite disillusionment and obstacles that resemble a troubled romantic relationship.
Dream vs Reality in Europe
- Başak describes her 'European dream' of living in Amsterdam and the harsh reality she faced, including visa issues and systemic rejection in the job market.
- She highlights the emotional toll of subtle discrimination masked by fake smiles and passive aggression.
Refugees Rewriting Amsterdam's Story
- Başak recounts joining Rederai Lampedusa, a project where refugee boats are repurposed for storytelling tours in Amsterdam.
- Initially reluctant to work with refugees, she learned from their stories about the mixed history of migration in Amsterdam.