What happens in Evros when the wildfires die down and the border fence slips out of the spotlight? Journalist Apostolos Staikos travels to Northern Evros, exploring life in the remote border villages. He delves into issues of demographic collapse, the local economy, wildfires, and the border fence.
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
