Jim Kayalar

Istanbul Alight Jim Kayalar

Istanbul Alight is a historically significant photography book. It portrays an Istanbul from an era long gone. The book will showcase to the reader the beauty of historic Istanbul and Edirne. The city's renowned landmarks and hidden corners are presented giving special insight into this enchanting and exotic city where centuries old Bazaars, Mosques, Castles and Forts make up this great city. Istanbul has always been a crossroads for many civilizations, cultures and religions. Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and lastly the Turks have all have contributed to the makings of and left their mark on the heritage and legacy of this exotic city and its peoples. This is where the East meets the West. Europe, Asia, the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East meet each other in one space and augment each other to present an exotic and unique experience. The experience is often one of organized chaos which somehow comes together in one extraordinarily beautiful albeit chaotic scene. The pictures stem from a time period about two decades after WWII. The book consists nearly exclusively of 1960's era photos albeit with photos depicting the Golden Horn, Leandros Tower (Kiz Kulesi) and the famous Istanbul Ferry Boats being from a later period. Photography is both an art and a science. A mix of light, time, space and opportunity. Ideally, it is to be at the right place at the right time as well as with the right subjects and objects. Sometimes what is in front of the camera is just as interesting as who is behind the camer