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Appetizers

Nova Taverna

Where friends meet

Revival of Meyhane

Meyhane, the cultural epicenters of the Balkan countries, Turkey, and the Crescent are making a comeback as a pop-up event thanks to the ECCA Foundation. Meyhane began in the Byzantine Empire as restaurants with music and a bar. Various cultural and artistic events were organized in the Meyhane. This Byzantine culture was adopted by the Ottomans. Medahs, Ottoman storytellers, spoke in the Meyhane about ancient myths. Poetry was more than welcome, and news was spread daily. Greek, Armenian, Persian, and Turkish musicians came together to create the most admirable music genres. Strangers became friends by drinking coffee together and playing board games such as backgammon and checkers. As the Turkish proverb goes: "A cup of coffee commits one to forty years of friendship." To maintain that respect for each other, Nova Taverna introduces an ancient culture in a modern package in the Netherlands.

Our story

Nova Taverna is a cross-cultural musical event that brings tavern music from Turkey, Greece and the Balkan together.  A lack of cultural and social events in theatres for certain ethnic minorities in the Netherlands was the reason why we started this journey. While we where enjoying different kinds of tavern music with a great diversity of friends in our houses and art studios, we realized that there was not a place we could visit to enjoy the same music, tapas and traditional drinks in The Hague. With music and culture as the core of our longing, we decided to bring tavern music from different countries together. This makes it possible for everyone that enjoys tavern music, no matter from which cultural background you are, to find a piece of their selves in this event. The idea to combine tavern music from different cultures and countries became a very fruitful  idea with many musical, cultural and social possibilities. We actually didn't know that it could open a vast world of ancient sounds which have the power to remember us the oneness of human emotions. With this in mind we decided to be the pop-up  event that brings the rich world of tavern music to you. With that, Nova Taverna (New Tavern)  was born. 

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Mission


Nova Taverna is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and unity through the celebration of tavern music from Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. Our mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive space where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can come together to appreciate the rich tapestry of tavern music, savor traditional tapas, and enjoy the camaraderie of shared experiences. We aim to fill the void of cultural and social events for certain ethnic minorities in the Netherlands by providing a welcoming platform that transcends cultural boundaries, promoting harmony and appreciation for the beauty of diversity.

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Vision
Our vision at Nova Taverna is to be a catalyst for cultural exchange and mutual respect. We envision a world where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the universal language of music, embracing the unique traditions of Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. Through our events, we aspire to create a global community that values the shared human experience, recognizing the power of music and culture to bridge gaps and foster connections. Nova Taverna seeks to be a beacon of cultural enrichment, promoting a world where differences are celebrated and unity is achieved through the universal language of music.

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Goals
1. Cultural Inclusivity:*Strive to represent and celebrate the diversity of tavern music, ensuring a broad spectrum of cultural influences from Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans are showcased in our events.

2. Community Engagement: Actively engage with local communities, artists, and cultural organizations to build strong connections and partnerships that enhance the overall cultural experience offered by Nova Taverna.

3. Accessible Events: Organize regular, accessible events in The Hague and beyond, providing a consistent platform for individuals of all cultural backgrounds to come together and enjoy tavern music, tapas, and traditional drinks.

4. Educational Outreach: Implement educational initiatives to raise awareness about the cultural significance of tavern music, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among attendees.

5. Global Expansion: Explore opportunities for Nova Taverna to expand its reach globally, creating a network of events that connect people from different parts of the world through the shared love of tavern music and cultural exchange.

6. Social Impact: Measure and maximize the social impact of Nova Taverna events by promoting a sense of belonging, understanding, and unity among attendees, thereby contributing to the broader social fabric of the communities we serve.

Contact

We always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

Akin Yalcin - secretary 

+31 (0) 6 24468648

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