As part of a planned project focusing on the preservation of cultural heritage, visual documentation, and storytelling, the Beykoz University project team conducted a comprehensive field visit and coordination meeting in the historic settlement of Adampol (Polonezköy) on 25 June 2026.
The meeting brought together former fifth-term Mayor of Beykoz Muharrem Ergül, Beykoz University Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Baki Aksu and Prof. Dr. Pınar Seden Meral, Beykoz University faculty members Assist. Prof. Serap Bozkurt, Assist. Prof. Nur Ertürk, and Lecturer Zehra Kaya, Assoc. Prof. Emre Ahmet Seçmen from Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, as well as prominent members of the Polonezköy community, Barbara and Daniel Ohotski.
During the meeting, participants emphasized that the sustainability of Polonezköy's cultural heritage is at risk due to the decline of the village's Polish-origin population to approximately 30 residents and the decreasing number of young people. Founded in 1842 by Polish exiles, Polonezköy has a rich historical legacy. To examine both the tangible and intangible cultural values of the settlement, field visits were carried out to Aunt Zosia's Memorial House, the Church, and the Historic Cemetery. The meeting also addressed the economic challenges faced by the village's small, historic tourism businesses as a result of new fire safety regulations and difficulties in renewing operating licenses.
In addition, the participants agreed to strengthen academic collaborations in order to gain broader access to Polonezköy's historical background, archival resources, and unique life stories, thereby contributing to the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage.
This content was updated on 08/07/2026.