Do you remember the famous wise words from the epic book Little Prince? "But eyes are blind. You have to look with the heart." Imagine you are surrounded by people who know how to look with their hearts, and they teach that to you in a limited time. Dialogue in the Dark's rare concept aims to strengthen your blunt senses in complete darkness!
Dialogue in the Dark considered one of the most remarkable attractions in Istanbul, works on improving social interaction and empathy between people. Empathy is not a need that only occurs between the "abled" and "disabled." Through this experience, you can feel blind people already can see, maybe not your face, but your soul. Perhaps it's time to look at each others' souls like they do! After understanding the abilities of visually impaired people, you will also find out they do not need the mercy of those who can see.
Darkness is a symbol of uncertainty and, perhaps, a massive fear for people, whether young or old. From the moment you face the complex situation of darkness, your body tries to adapt and approaches the environment differently. When you are all alone in the dark, you will try to find your way around, and your perception changes. Excursions in rooms in pitch darkness will recreate your daily routines with fresh perspectives! Blind guides will accompany you to overcome the adaptation problem during your trip in Dialogue in the Dark. Dialogue in the dark locations.
History of Dialogue in the Dark
Dialogue in the Dark Istanbul is a place that has been considered one of the most unusual and original tourist attractions in Istanbul! Visitors are never the same when they leave the exhibition area, which offers visitors a staggering experience in a unique environment.
The history of the idea of Dialogue in the Dark goes back a long time, dating back to 1988 based on a true story. Dr. Andreas Heinecke came up with this idea inspired by his friend, who lost his eyesight due to a car accident.
Similar to the old times, it is obvious that blind people suffer from inequalities compared with people who can see. Dr. Andreas Heinecke wanted to reach a point to show a new perspective to people without disabilities.
The Istanbul Dialogue in the Dark journey, which started in 1988, has evolved by adding new themes to the concept. Although the concept started with a small idea in Germany, it has become a popular event in 41 countries today.
The Concepts of Dialogue in the Dark
- In the Dialogue in the Dark, you can create a landscape with your imagination using your senses of sight, touch, and smell. Come closer to the sounds of the wind, birds, steamboat, tram, various smells, textures found in nature, or familiar things and places from daily life! Everything you can come across in a typical Istanbul day will become your new reality in the dark.
- You will have the opportunity to touch, smell, and feel places such as streets, parks, cafes, bazaars, even cash dispensers that you have never seen in pitch black.
- Do you wonder where the "Dialogue" is coming from? After an hour of examination in the dark, you will have a chance to converse with your blind guide. All together with the other visitors, you can share your feelings and how the experience affected you. You can also ask questions to your guide about his life as a visually impaired person. The chat between you may be the most crucial part of the Dialogue in the Dark.
Darkness is actually a metaphor; if there is dialogue, there is no such thing as darkness. When you think about it, you can't see anyone in the dark, and no one can see you either. So, everybody is equal and free in the dark. Likewise, there is no hierarchy. Dialogue in the Dark continues to be an essential turning point in the lives of the participants in Istanbul and all around the world.
If you have the Istanbul Tourist Pass, it will be easier than you think to get to the unusual and intriguing experiences offered by Dialogue in the Dark. If you have a curious spirit and a brave heart, you should not skip adding Dialogue in the Dark to your Istanbul travel itinerary. Do you seek another soulful exhibition located in Istanbul as Dialogue in the Dark? Then, you can also have a look at the Dialogue in the Silence, which you can access for free of extra charge with the Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Dialogue in the Dark allows you to get out of your comfort zone and promises a life-changing experience. The place expands your sense of empathy and will enable you to look at your daily routine habits from a different perspective.