Vardiya is a visiting researcher and production program run by the Kundura Hafıza Archive and Research Center since 2022, inviting artists, researchers and cultural professionals to think together with the archive. The program approaches the relationship with the archive through the concepts of taking turns on watch, continuity and collectivity.

In 2026, a total of six participants will be supported, two from each of three different research areas.

Each participant accepted into the program receives 20.000 TL in funding.

Researchers from all disciplines related to the specified research areas, and artists with a research-oriented practice in fields close to these areas, may apply individually.

No. Support is open to individual applications only.

All application documents and the project text must be prepared in Turkish.

No. You may apply with only one project per application period.

Yes. Applicants who were not accepted in previous rounds may apply again in future rounds.

Applications are accepted between January 16, 2026 and February 20, 2026 (18:00), only through the online application form available at www.beykozkundura.com.

Applications are first pre-screened by the Kundura Hafıza Archive and Research Center team. They are then evaluated by a selection committee made up of independent jury members who are experts in their fields.

Applicants will be notified of the results by email on March 9, 2026.

Participants choose one of the three research periods set for April and work at the Archive and Research Center for 7 days (between 10:00 and 18:00).

• April 6–12, 2026
• April 13–19, 2026
• April 20–26, 2026

Participants are expected to engage actively with the archive, keep notes throughout the process and, in keeping with the shift system, share a note, find or thought that left a mark on them, to be handed over to the next participant.

• A research report of no more than 1500 words
• A copy of the notes kept throughout the process
• A 15-minute oral presentation at the session to be held on June 13, 2026

All digitized archive collections can be accessed through the online catalog.

Participants have access to nearly 20.000 archival and library resources at the Kundura Hafıza Archive and Research Center.

Once the research process is complete and the required documents have been submitted, the support payment is made by bank transfer within 5 business days.

Participants who withdraw from the project before completing the Vardiya process, after having been accepted into the program and confirmed their participation, must return the funds provided.

Yes. Travel and meal support is provided throughout the 7 days spent in the archive.

Yes. You can reach Beykoz Kundura in your own vehicle. Free parking is available on site.

You can reach Beykoz Kundura on the İETT buses that stop at the Kundura Fabrikası stop. The lines serving this stop are:

15T Tokatköy – Üsküdar

15 Beykoz – Üsküdar

15F Beykoz – Kadıköy

15BK Beykoz – Kadıköy

15D Anadolu Feneri – Kavacık

121A Beykoz – Mecidiyeköy

Yes. You can use the taxi services in the area.

There are several options for reaching Beykoz Kundura by sea:

Yeniköy Boats: You can take the boats that depart from Yeniköy approximately every 30 minutes and get off at Beykoz Pier. The pier is about a 15-minute walk from Beykoz Kundura.

Yes. You can reach Beykoz on the Bosphorus line ferries departing from places such as Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Üsküdar.

For all questions about the process, you can contact us by email at hafiza@beykozkundura.com.