Storytelling experts in Antalya, Türkiye

From 18 to 22 May 2026, Learn Plus representatives Matej Marušić and Marko Karalić participated in an international Erasmus+ mobility hosted in Antalya, Türkiye for the project „My story, your story: our stories“. The programme brought together students, teachers and experts from 4 European countries – Turkiye, Germany, Italy and Croatia - with a common goal: exploring storytelling as a powerful educational tool.
Antalya, known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage and international atmosphere, provided an inspiring setting for the exchange. Throughout the week, participants combined creativity, cultural exploration and different education methods while developing their communication, teamwork and presentation skills.
On the first day, Croatian experts introduced participants to practical experiences from Osijek related to storytelling and educational live-action role-playing (EduLARP). Students worked in international groups and were challenged to select one of the stories everyone is familiar with and create an alternative version of the story. Each performance had to communicate a clear message, while the audience was tasked with identifying the lesson hidden within the story. The activity encouraged creativity, critical thinking and reflection on values communicated through narratives.
The programme also included visits to important cultural and historical sites, such as Side Ancient City, the Temple of Apollo, Antalya's historic centre, museums, libraries and cultural institutions. These visits demonstrated how local heritage can serve as a source of inspiration for storytelling and educational activities.
During the second workshop led by the Croatian team, students were introduced to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, one of the most influential role-playing games in modern storytelling culture. Participants learned the basics of character creation and narrative development. Each student designed their own hero, defining their race, class, strengths, weaknesses, fears and personal backstory. Later, during an art workshop, they transformed these ideas into visual representations by drawing their characters.
The week concluded with final performances of previously selected stories about Turkish folk-tale characted Keloğlan, intercultural activities and discussions about future cooperation. The mobility once again demonstrated how storytelling can connect people across cultures and create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
For Learn Plus, this mobility represented another valuable opportunity to share innovative educational methods developed in Croatia while learning from partners across Europe. The experience confirmed that storytelling, role-playing and creative expression remain powerful tools for fostering active participation, empathy and intercultural understanding among young people.
We would like to thank our Turkish hosts and all participating partners for their warm hospitality, enthusiasm and commitment to creating memorable learning experiences.