The Eye of Istanbul

Ara Güler (born 1928) is probably the most famous Turkish photographer. With his Leica, he has travelled the world, but his biggest passion has always been his home city of Istanbul. His unique homage to the city on the Bosporus will now be exhibited in Berlin.

Since the fifties, Güler captured Istanbul's vibrant, bustling streets and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. His images are filled with impressions of enchanted villas and overgrown gardens, melancholic alleys, colourful shops and maze-like streets with their jumble of horse-carriages, busses and taxis.

Ara Güler started out as a self-taught photographer, but very quickly achieved international acclaim. In the mid-fifties, upon meeting Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris, he joined the prestigious Magnum Agency.

The exhibition at the Willy-Brandt-Haus marks the 25th anniversary of the Town Partnership between Istanbul and Berlin.

The Eye of Istanbul is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue, released by Nicolai Publishing on 15 October 2015.

For further information visit: Willy-Brandt-Haus (German)