The third -and final- episode of the audio documentary “Evros behind the fence”
Pro-fence or anti-fence? Does it bolster regional security, or does it compromise territorial integrity and trap the conversation in the wrong narrative? In Evros, there are many diverse perspectives, stemming from different starting points and aiming for varied goals.
In this third and final episode, we delve into these perspectives while revisiting the history of the fence and the events of 2020 that triggered a crisis with Turkey centered on migration. We also discuss the rise of the Muslim population and cross into Edirne to hear from people on the other side.
Finally, we examine the fires—the massive wildfires that devastated the Dadia Forest and highlighted the necessity of the “Evros After” plan. Can Evros transform into a destination for digital nomads?
Interviews-Episode 3
Petros Hasanidis, customs officer (former employee of the Hellenic Sugar Industry)
Vasilis Chantiridis, Agricultural Cooperative for Garlic Production, Processing, and Trade
Statements by Christos Papoutsis, 2012
Statements by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 2020
Statements by Michalis Chrysochoidis, 2024
Sotiris Karampatzakis, retired brigadier general
Romylos Chatzigiannoglou, Mayor of Didymoteicho
Ilias Angelakoudis, President of the Agricultural Association of Orestiada
Christos Pechlivanidis, retired lawyer
Özgür Bahçeci, employee at the University of Edirne, traditional dance instructor
Acan Pektaş, mechanical engineer, bartender
Dora Skartsi, manager at the Thrace Biodiversity Protection Company
Stavros Benos, President of DIAZOMA
Chrysa Demiskidou, resident of Orestiada
George Dolis, resident of Nea Vyssa
The Audio Documentary
Journalist Apostolos Staikos and sound engineer Giorgis Sarantinos embarked on a journey through the villages of northern Evros, exploring what life is like behind the fence. They uncovered a region left in the shadows once the media spotlight fades, grappling with demographic collapse, abandonment, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. At the same time, they met the resilient residents of this borderland—stepping into their homes, listening to their songs, tasting their local cuisine, and hearing their perspectives on issues often discussed on their behalf by others. Crossing to the other side, they also visited Edirne, to draw comparisons.
Evros is not just the few days each year when it dominates the headlines—whether due to another migration crisis, heightened tensions in Greek-Turkish relations, or the devastating wildfires of recent summers. Evros is certainly not just the fence, a symbol of an era for the whole of Europe. Get to know the people living behind it…
Evros Behind The Fence is a three-episode audio documentary produced by the nonprofit journalism organization iMEdD. The next two episodes will be released on January 23 and January 30.
Research, script, narration: Apostolos Staikos
Sound recording: Giorgis Sarantinos
Sound mixing and design: Aris Athanasopoulos
Art direction: Evgenios Kalofolias
iMEdD Podcasts Content and Production Manager: Panagiotis Menegos
