Istanbul's rich culture deserves global artistic recognition, says Nevzat Yildirim, who blends art, history, and emotion in his new exhibit
The exhibition Loving Istanbul by academic and photography artist Nevzat Yildirim, which focuses on the city's famous historical landmarks, is now open to the public.
Held at the Türkiye Photography Foundation (TFV) Art Gallery, the show features 20 of the artist's photographs.
Before the event, Yildirim told Anadolu that the exhibition expresses a deep love for Istanbul, which he has developed over many years. It reflects a strong personal connection to this ancient city, he added.
Calling Loving Istanbul a visual reflection of his bond with the city, Yildirim said:
“Istanbul is known around the world as a big, busy city. With its rich history, nature, and culture, it has been home to many civilizations over centuries. It is a living witness to history, split by the sea. In this exhibition, I brought together images of Istanbul's famous landmarks—but not in the usual way. They are shown from different angles and seasons.”
Yildirim said the 20 photos in the exhibition were taken between 2008 and 2025. “Through these images, I've tried to show today's Istanbul from an artistic point of view—similar to how Ara Guler captured the city in the 1950s.”
-'I want to take this exhibition abroad'
Yildirim said that Istanbul's image is not well represented in the art world internationally.
“When you search for pictures of Istanbul online, you usually find images that don't truly show the spirit of the city. But when you search for Paris or London, the photos are often artistic, powerful, and beautiful. Yet Istanbul has an even deeper and richer cultural and historical beauty.
“That's why I want to take this exhibition to other countries and share these Istanbul-inspired feelings through art. This old city deserves a much better story. But one artist alone can't do it—it needs teamwork and support.”
Yildirim also emphasized that the best way to understand the city is by walking through it.
“It's hard to truly get to know Istanbul during short visits. This is a city with many layers. The beauty and meaning captured in these artistic photos can help guide people who want to explore it.
“Walking through areas like Salacak in Uskudar or the historic streets of Fatih offers a special experience. To really understand the city, you have to look closely.”
-'These photos weren't taken in a hurry'
Ozan Bilgiseren, a faculty member at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and the curator of the exhibition, also spoke to Anadolu. He said the project had been in development for a long time.
Bilgiseren praised the artistic and thematic strength of Yildirim's photos:
“These images are valuable records of Istanbul's history. We often don't fully enjoy this huge city because we're busy with daily life. Photographers help keep those feelings alive and pass them on to future generations.”
He also highlighted the effort behind the work: “These photos weren't taken quickly or without thought. It's a carefully planned project—choosing the right light, season, angle, and sometimes using special equipment. Many photos were taken from mosque towers or building rooftops. It requires deep photographic knowledge, good technology, and a lot of patience.”
-'This exhibition can inspire young people too'
Bilgiseren stressed the need to photograph Istanbul with the future in mind.
“Today, we talk about Ara Guler. But what about the future? Just like Guler captured his version of Istanbul as a witness of his time, we need to continue that same effort today. To keep that memory going, younger generations also need to take photos regularly and with purpose. Photographers are witnesses of their time. So this exhibition can be a source of inspiration for young people.”
Bilgiseren also praised the role of TFV, by saying: “The Türkiye Photography Foundation is more than just a legal organization—it's a key cultural and artistic center that helps grow the world of photography. Visiting on event days lets you meet a community of photography lovers.”
-The exhibition will be on display for one month
At the opening, artist Yildirim and curator Bilgiseren both delivered talks and guests received a gift copy of the artist's book Istanbul: Atlas of Culture and Literature, published by the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association. Afterward, visitors took group photos in the gallery.
The opening was attended by TFV President Murat Aydin, FOTON Association founding member Ahmet Tanin Helvaci, Union of Turkish World Municipalities Secretary General Fahri Solak, and calligrapher Mehmet Arif Vural, along with guests from universities, the arts, business, and many photography fans.
The exhibition, featuring a special selection of Istanbul's landmarks from Yildirim's 17-year-long project, will remain open until the end of June.
