Imagine Istanbul

The city of Istanbul defies any single representation, generalization or definitive narrative. It is a catalyst for cultural processes whose meaning, significance and appearance have never ceased to change.

Imagine Istanbul looks at the city through the lens of the defining artists of Turkish photography to illustrate how their work has shaped the way we see Istanbul, beginning with examples from the 19th century - including unseen photos from the magnificent Koç collection.

The core of Imagine Istanbul is the work of Ara Güler, "The Eye of Istanbul" and unquestionably Turkey’s most significant photographer of the 20th century.

The exhibition will also include a wider investigation of contemporary Turkish photography, music, cinema and literature, with work by a variety of artists including Ali Taptık, Ahmet Polat, Débruit, Sophie Calle and Atelier Bow-Wow.

Imagine Istanbul is one of two featured exhibitions in Europalia Turkey, the 25th edition of the Europalia Arts Festival, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Beginning on October 6, the program will present masterpieces from the great Turkish museums alongside the best in Turkish art, dance, music, literature and film.