As part of the 2024 Türkiye-Hungary Cultural Year, the “Ara Güler: Life Through the Lens” photo exhibition has opened in Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Event highlights the growing cultural ties between Türkiye and Hungary.
The exhibition, organized by the Yunus Emre Institute in collaboration with the Ara Güler Museum, Doğuş Group, and the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, has drawn a diverse audience, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Budapest, Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu.
The exhibition, which showcases 45 captivating photographs, portrays a wide range of scenes from Türkiye, including Istanbul’s historic charm and the rural landscapes of Anatolia.
Ar Güler’s Legacy
Known as “The Eye of Istanbul,” Ara Güler’s black-and-white photographs, capturing the essence of human life and urban transformation, have captivated Hungarian art enthusiasts.
The exhibition also features Güler’s personal camera and slides he worked on, offering visitors a deeper glimpse into his creative process.
Ambassador Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu emphasized the exhibition’s significance in showcasing Türkiye’s cultural richness, stating: “The life captured through Ara Güler’s lens is a powerful way to convey Türkiye’s cultural depth to the Hungarian people. This exhibition exemplifies the strength of cultural diplomacy between our nations.”
Mustafa Aydoğdu, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Budapest, highlighted the universal appeal of Güler’s work: “Ara Güler’s photographs not only immortalize moments but also serve as a bridge between cultures. This exhibition strengthens the cultural ties between Türkiye and Hungary while showcasing the universal language and power of photography.”
Orsolya Kőrösi, Director of the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center, drew parallels between Ara Güler and Robert Capa, noting: “Both are among the most important photographers of the 20th century. This exhibition highlights the artistic bond between these two masters and demonstrates photography’s ability to transcend borders.”
Çağla Saraç, Art Consultant for Doğuş Group and Project Director of the Ara Güler Museum and Ara Güler Archive and Research Center, added: “Güler’s universal language resonates across geographic boundaries. A photograph from Istanbul can deeply move a viewer in Budapest, as Güler’s images evoke shared human emotions.”
The “Ara Güler: Life Through the Lens” exhibition is poised to make a significant contribution to cultural exchange and will be on display at the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center in Budapest until December 15.
