In 2009 L‘Aquila and the surrounding area were almost completely destroyed in a devastating earthquake. Once famous for its cultural heritage, the Province is still waiting for the wounds to be healed. Like L’Aquila, Izmir was hit hard by an earthquake in October 2020. Aim of the initiative Hello world was to bring together the two communities that have suffered the same brutal fate and still struggle with the economic and social consequences.

The people of L’Aquila and Izmir were connected virtually, greeting the other community with a virtual “Hello” through two short videos, shown contemporarily at Fontecchio (AQ), Fossa (AQ)/Italy and Selcuk (Izmir)/Turkey.