Ara Guler's Istanbul /anglais

This is a well made, well printed book of Ara Gulers black and white photos around Istanbul. Aside from a foreword by Pamuk the book is all photos, some of them two page spreads. I think he was a great photographer of his time and place who is not widely known in the west.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is enthusiastic about photography, Istanbul, the transformation of the remarkable city through rapid urbanization and immigration in the post-1950 era. Ara Guler is truly capturing the heart and soul of the city, the people and spaces. You can see the diversity of characters, peoples, micro-cultures and spaces in Istanbul through his photography. This book is a true staple that will stay in my library forever. Every photo is invigorating and intriguing in its own special way. Definitely recommended. The delivery was also really fast and without any problems.

I love Istanbul - and I suppose anyone would the first time he steps into the old, fascinating, second capital to Ottomans and first to Byzantine. And a star city today.Ara must be then Istanbul's best salesperson in modern times alongwith Forward writer, Mr. Orhan Pamuk. Outstandingly written forward to this beautifully produced book - and bound in Singapore, this is a must have for any lover of Turkish city, of Pamuk, of 1960-70s photojournalism. It's essentially a people's book. But not very sad.A bit expensive though.

Guler, though perhaps not well known in the US, deserves in my opinion to be ranked with Cartier-Bresson and, in an earlier time, Atget. He is one of those rare photographers whose perception unifies a strong sense of city as place, a feel for architecture and pattern, and a loving sensitivity to people, their body language and, especially, their faces. To browse through this well-printed book is to experience Istanbul at a unique point in history in the company of a sensitive and perceptive friend.If you read and enjoyed Orhan Pamuk's "Istanbul" but wished the photos had been larger, this book is the answer. If you enjoy seeing black and white photography capture the spirit of a place, here is a wonderful example.

Not only does this book have an engaging array of historical and beautiful photos of such a complex city, the participation of Orhan Pamuk giving context to the photos is a unique jewel of a book. I will keep it on my coffee table for all to enjoy.

A venerable, much celebrated Turkish photographer, Ara Guler is to Istanbul what Henri Cartier-Bresson was to Paris. His older photos in particular, from the 1950's and 60's capture a long gone Istanbul in its decay, pollution and poverty amid its ancient splendor and with its population intimately portrayed going about their business, young and old, poor and rich. It is a classic for those who care about the subject. Orhan Pamuk's introduction is in keeping with his prior writings, again, for those who care.

Great to see his work and become acquainted with black and white photography of the times.

The black and white photos in this book capture the hard life in Istanbul before its current resurgence. Very eye opening and moving. A must have book for all lovers of Istanbul!