Filiz ECZACIBAŞI SARPER

Filiz Eczacıbaşı Sarper, who was born in Izmir, works as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IKSEV, which has an important role in the cultural and artistic life in Izmir. After graduating from Izmir Amerikan Koleji (ACI), she went to England to study Choreology. Upon completing her education at London College of Choreology, she wrote Sait Sökmen’s “Kurban” with Benesh notation and had it recorded in the International Choreology Library in London. Sarper was awarded the title of “A. I. Chor” with this piece, which was the first Turkish piece in the choreology library. While working as the choreologist of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, she represented our country in the international meetings of choreologists, wrote ballets and adapted them for the stage.
She was one of the founders of IKSEV, which was established in 1985, and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Foundation. In 1993, after the passing of Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, who was the first Chairman of the Foundation, Sarper was elected as the Chairman of the Board of IKSEV.
In 2014, she became the first Turkish Board Member of the European Festivals Association, which had a history of 65 years, upon being elected as a board member of the association.
She received many awards for her contributions to the cultural and artistic life of Izmir such as “The Outstanding Service Medal” awarded by the Ege University Senate in 2000, the superior achievement awards given by Izmir Governorship in 2001 and by Izmir Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Sarper was honored with the medal of “Star of Italian Solidarity” on 26 May 2009, for her constant contribution to the culture and art of both countries, at the discretion of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. Also, she was deemed worthy of the medal of the Republic of Poland for her contributions to the Turkish-Polish cultural and scientific cooperation in June 2014.