Renowned Turkish photographer and journalist, capturing poignant images of Istanbul's streets and people, earning the nickname "Eye of Istanbul".
Ara Gler, affectionately known as the "Eye of Istanbul" or the "Photographer of Istanbul," was a renowned Armenian-Turkish photojournalist who left an indelible mark on the world of photography. With a career spanning over six decades, Gler was one of Turkey's few internationally acclaimed photographers.
Born on August 16, 1928, in BeyoÄŸlu, Istanbul, Turkey, Gler was raised in a family of Armenian descent. His father, owner of a pharmacy on Istiklal Avenue, had a wide circle of friends from the art world, which instilled in Gler a passion for the arts from a young age. He studied at the local Getronagan Armenian High School and later attended drama courses held by Muhsin Erturul, the founder of modern Turkish theater.
Gler's early fascination with cinema led him to work in movie studios during his high school years. However, he soon abandoned cinema in favor of journalism, joining the staff of the newspaper Yeni Istanbul as a photojournalist in 1950. He concurrently studied economics at the University of Istanbul, further solidifying his foundation in the world of journalism.
In 1958, Gler became the first correspondent for Time-Life in Turkey, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in photography. He soon received commissions from prominent publications such as Paris Match, Stern, and The Sunday Times in London. After completing his military service in 1961, Gler joined the Turkish magazine Hayat as the head of its photographic department.
Gler's talent and dedication earned him recognition from some of the most esteemed photography institutions. He was presented in the 1961 Photography Yearbook and was accepted as the only Turkish member to the American Society of Magazine Photographers (ASMP), now known as the American Society of Media Photographers. The Swiss magazine Camera honored him with a special issue, further cementing his status as a world-class photographer.
In the early 1960s, Gler met Henri Cartier-Bresson and Marc Riboud, who recruited him to join the prestigious Magnum Photos agency. Although he later withdrew from the agency, his association with Magnum further solidified his reputation as a master photographer.
Ara Gler's remarkable career and contributions to the world of photography earned him the nickname "The Eye of Istanbul." His photographs have captured the essence of Istanbul, its people, and its culture, providing a unique visual narrative that transcends borders and generations. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Gler's work continues to inspire and influence photographers and artists around the world.
Ara Gler's extraordinary life and career serve as a testament to his passion, dedication, and genius as a photographer. His remarkable legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
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