Make your own Shadow Puppet for Kids

Cengiz Özek has been involved with traditional Turkish shadow theatre, known as "Karagöz," since 1977, starting at age 14. His first production, “Büyülü Ağaç” (Magic Tree), was inspired by Karagöz's shamanistic roots and old authentic performances. In 1998, Cengiz Özek Shadow Theatre modernized Karagöz with “Çöp Canavarı” (Garbage Monster). That same year, he founded the first Istanbul International Puppet Festival, bringing global artists together. The festival has continued annually, promoting puppet theatre in Istanbul. In 2013, he established the Istanbul Karagöz Puppet Foundation, aiming to open a puppet theatre museum in Istanbul. Recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Carrier, Cengiz Özek Shadow Theatre has performed over 1,000 shows worldwide and conducted workshops, exhibitions, and lectures on Karagöz.