My journey began in Istanbul in 1975, where I spent my formative years as a queer child of a minority faith, struggling to find my place in a complex and diverse cultural landscape. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider, grappling with my own identity and trying to navigate a world that didn’t always accept me for who I was. Eventually, at the age of twenty-five, I made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and immigrate to the United States, hoping to find a sense of belonging and acceptance in a new land.

While I studied American Culture and Literature at Istanbul University, my true passions lie in LGBTQ+ activism and photography. From a young age, I have been captivated by the art of photography and its ability to capture moments in the daily life. With my camera, gifted to me by my brother at the age of fifteen, I have strived to make images that emphasize the human experience and depict what it’s like to be alive.

Through my lens, I explore the intricate layers of urban life, blending street, portrait, fine art, documentary, and architectural photography to showcase the vibrant tapestry of the cities that hold my heart: Istanbul and New York. My work seeks to capture the essence of what I call “the urban psyche,” the unique and dynamic energy that pulses through these two bustling metropolises that I am proud to call my home.