Living with Byzantium: Heritage of the "Other" with Dr Hakan Tarhan

In this episode of Heritage Türkiye, we speak with Dr Hakan Tarhan about identity, memory, and the complexities of cultural heritage in the eastern Mediterranean. Drawing on his research in both Türkiye and Greece, Hakan explores how communities engage with Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, what he means by "the other's heritage," and why the concept of dissonant heritage is central to understanding contested pasts. We discuss what it means to "live with Byzantium" in contemporary Türkiye, and the importance of community engagement in heritage practice. The conversation also reflects on Hakan's current research and his vision for the future of cultural heritage at the BIAA, highlighting the role of dialogue in building more inclusive approaches to the past.