Discovering Istanbul as a photographer

“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze at Istanbul”. A quote taken from the French writer, poet and politician Alphonse de Lamartine in 1835.

Istanbul is a city where different peoples and multiple religions have lived together in peace for centuries. A city whereby contemporary artists from all corners of the globe choose to live and practice. A city that unites not only Asia with Europe but the east and the west, the old and the new; traditional and modern; enchantment and knowledge; splendor  and modesty; dogma and pragmatism; the universal and the local.

When you take a breath in Istanbul, you breathe in the sea, the fish, sun, people, airiness, its past, present and future, The city’s soul takes a hold of you. Istanbul is the city of diversity and contrast. For a photographer , the city of Istanbul offers endless creative possibilities and surprises .
In this show, called “Postcard from istanbul” I intended to show you and talk about `magical and passionate images` of this ancient city

Vehbi Koca is an internationally acclaimed Documentary and Fine Art photographer. Of Turkish origin Koca lives and works in London.  

With over 25 years of professional experience in image making, Koca has covered a vast range of documenter and social photography throughout the UK and internationally. He is a committed and emotionally involved artist with a keen eye for the detail. After completing an MA in Photography and Cinema at Westminster University, he has worked as a freelance photographer for a variety of picture stock agencies and at present he is teaching photography at the Art center `The Institute.

Koca has also been awarded by the Millennium Commission in year 2004 for his documenter project called “Distant Countries” and has worked as curator for a photographic project called “City: Chaos and Charm” in The 1st Istanbul International Biennial of Photography, organized by IFSAK. His works have been exhibited extensively in England, Turkey, USA and N. Ireland.


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