Exhibition scrutinizes Hugo's 'Les Orientales'


Notre Dame de Sion French High School will hold their first exhibition of 2016 on the prominent French writer Victor Hugo's collection of poems titled "Les Orientales" (Orientals). Since it has not yet been translated into Turkish, "Les Orientales" is not very popular. A total of four poems by Hugo, who is known by his novel "Les Miserables," have been featured in anthologies. The exhibition, which is currently on display at Notre Dame de Sion French High School, is a continuation of the exhibitions on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who wrote on Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, Pierre Loti and other French writers. Similar to Loti, Hugo also stood out with his talent for drawing along with his writing. A total of 90 drawings featured at the exhibition are the re-productions of the documents from the French National Library, which is in possession of Hugo's handwritten manuscripts found at Hugo's home in Villequier, France. On the other hand, the 14 poems from "Les Orientales" that are also featured at the exhibition were selected by a jury of Hugo experts and translated into Turkish by Professor Nami Başer. Notre Dame de Sion French High School aims to offer the audience a taste of Hugo's poetry as well as his drawings, and will encourage researchers to study Hugo and his art.When: Until June 5Where: Notre Dame de Sion French High School