University artists, children in Mersin turn neighborhood into 'monument of Roma culture'
Artists from Mersin University and local children are painting a local Roma neighborhood together. While the project aims to reflect the community's vibrant culture, the university team envisions to turn the neighborhood into a monument of Roma people.
Duvar English
Community members in Mersin province are painting and drawing on houses' walls in the district's Roma neighborhood.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2-2.jpg)
A collaboration between Mersin Municipality and Mersin University, the project aims to turn the Roma community's Turgutreis neighborhood into a monument for Roma people.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/3-1.jpg)
Led by university lecturer Prof. Nurseren Tor, the team is drawing illustrations that represent the Roma community's vibrant culture.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5-1.jpg)
The team from the university is often joined by younger members of the community.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6.jpg)
"We try to reflect the Roma community's sense of liberty, joy, fun and multi-colored nature, we want these illustrations to connect them to life," Prof. Tor said.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/8.jpg)
While the team sometimes draws residents upon request, the professor said that they envision turning the neighborhood into an open-air monument to the community.
![](https://www.duvarenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/9.jpg)
Though considered a minority, Turkey's Roma community totals over two million in population, and live spread out across the country.