Cologne Yunus Emre Enstitüsü hosted an Istanbul exhibition by Ara Güler referred to as the “Photographer of the Century” in Turkey.

Exhibition opened on 11 December 2015 features photographs taken in various Istanbul districts between years 1950 and 1980. Black-white photographs present striking frames from everyday life and views in Istanbul, and drew considerable attention from German and Turkish visitors. 

Cologne Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Director Dr. Yılmaz Bulut said in his speech that with the exhibition held, they aimed to point out how Ara Güler preserved the history of Istanbul in his photographs with his genuine skill. Bulut expressed that they are glad to have brought art-lovers together with the fascinating views and everyday life in Istanbul in the sister city Cologne, and stated they would like to emphasize the importance of fraternity between the people through the symbolic value of “famous Turkish photographer of Armenian origin”.

Hagen Osthaus Museum Director Dr. Tayfun Belgin informed the guests on photography of Ara Güler. Belgin elaborated the artistic qualities of the photographs exhibited, and illustrated how Ara Güler genuinely captured time and paid attention to composition in his photographs through examples. Exhibition can be visited until 24 January between 10 am-5pm except holidays.