Photographer's Obsession: What Drove Him to the Edge?!

A Lifetime Dedicated to Light: Veteran Photographer Feruz Ertürer Celebrates 75 Years Behind the Lens

Photographer's Obsession: What Drove Him to the Ed...

At 90 years young, most folks might be thinking of putting their feet up, but not Feruz Ertürer. This veteran artist is currently basking in the glow of a new exhibition, showcasing a remarkable selection from his 75-year-long Photography journey. "Another World Where He Looks" just opened its doors at the historic Bulgur Palace in Istanbul, offering a fascinating glimpse into Turkey's past through Ertürer's keen eye.

Born in Adapazarı back in 1936, Ertürer's passion for Photography isn't just a hobby, it's practically a family heirloom. His father, Ahmet Ertürer, was a traveling "aliminut" photographer – one of those old-school guys who’d develop photos on the spot. And his older brother, Mümtaz, was also a serious photography artist. So, you could say it was in his blood.

Feruz’s journey wasn't a solitary one. He honed his skills alongside his father and brothers, who were part of Grup 5, learning to see photography as a true art form. He also counts his childhood friend, İbrahim Zaman, a well-respected name in the photography world, as a key influence. His first exhibition was back in '67 with Grup 2, a collective he formed with eight friends. And then in '69, he snagged first place in Hayat Magazine's amateur photography competition with a striking still life called "Cracked Earth." Clearly, the man's got talent, and a whole lot of dedication.

The Bulgur Palace, perched atop Istanbul's seventh hill for over a century, provides a fitting backdrop for this retrospective. The exhibition, organized by İBB Kültür and İBB Miras, and curated by photographer Murat Gür, is really something special. It's filled with frames that capture the socio-cultural vibes of Istanbul and Turkey from the 1950s and 60s right up to the present. You really get a sense of how much things have changed, and how much has stayed the same.

Spread across two floors, the exhibition's first part delves into Ertürer's roots and creative process. Think family archives, personal documents, original negatives, and even a recreated darkroom. It’s a real treat for photography nerds, like myself. And, interestingly, you can also find texts from master photographers like Coşkun Aral, İzzet Keribar, and İbrahim Zaman – all sharing their thoughts on Ertürer's work, plus a short documentary about the man himself. The second floor showcases a selection of 70 photographs, meticulously chosen from around 500 high-resolution scans, all shot with his medium format Lubitel camera. These are grouped into themes like Adapazarı, Istanbul, Bayram Yerinde (At the Fair), and more. The images capture everyday life – fairs, holidays, kids, women, villagers, street vendors – and even some intriguing abstract pieces. It's a real journey through time, and it's open to the public free of charge (except Mondays) until August 16th. Don't miss it!