Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends of art and photography

This year we are celebrating 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. On October 29, it will be 100 years. We already started celebrations with a series of events that mark our rich history, culture, art, traditions and achievements. As part of these activities, today we are pleased to rejoice the art of one of the most iconic figures in the world of photography: Ara Güler.

Güler is among the most acclaimed and decorated artists in the 100 years of our Republic. Güler's acknowledgments reflect his significant role in the world of photography and photo-journalism and his enduring legacy in preserving the visual history and culture of Türkiye.

Besides his international prizes like Master of Leica and Lifetime Achievement Awards, he was presented;

- Culture and Arts Grand Award by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye in 2005,

- Superior Service Award by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 2009,

- Arts Grand Award by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Culture in 2005 and 2011.

In his life-time and even after his unfortunate demise in 2018, he has been considered as an Ambassador of Art.

His work went beyond boundaries of language and culture, touching hearts and minds around the world. Since his first one shot in a historic Aegean town, his photographs introduced the rich heritage of Türkiye to the globe.

In this regard, we fondly remember “Ara Güler Exhibition,” organized by the Turkish Presidency in collaboration with the Ara Güler Museum in 2019. That beautiful exhibition met art lovers in New York, London, Paris, Rome and Kyoto. At this special year for our Republic, we also feel ourselves privileged and proud to have the same opportunity here in Amsterdam.

I would like to thank our host, Foam Photography Museum, for making this possible since June. Let me sincerely congratulate well-distinguished co-curator Ahmet Polat for his work and also extend our appreciation to The Ara Güler Museum in Istanbul for their substantial contribution. I also express our gratitude to Garanti BBVA International for sponsoring the exhibition and tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As you will be wandering around the masterful photography of Ara Güler in this exhibition, you will appreciate that they are not just pieces of art, but also historical documents. If he were to be here among us, I am sure he would object to me. As he had been saying persistently in public, he has repeated that “he was not an artist, but only aphotographer”. In his own words, “Photography does not need to be art.

Photography is a history event. You are capturing history. You are stopping history with a machine”.

In his work, Güler also offered an insight into Turkish cultural practices, ceremonies, festivals and rituals. They constitute the 100 year old visual memory of Türkiye. Güler connected with the people he photographed, to comprehend their stories, and to bring those stories to life. His images mirrored the daily loaf struggle and joy of the ordinary man on the street in the most unexpected places. He told stories of time and today. They underscore the power of photography as the best tool to preserve moments that would otherwise be forgotten.

Ara Güler, also deservedly called as "The Eye of Istanbul," captured the beauty, culture, and history of this glorious city. He opened a window from the heart and soul of Istanbul into the world.

They will be a source of inspiration for all from here to eternity.

Let me reiterate our appreciation to Mr. Erhan Zeyneloğlu, CEO of Garanti BBVA International and his team for their generous support to today’s event. Let me also thank you all for joining us and celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

Last, but not least, we must remember with deep respect Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first President of the Republic of Türkiye, his comrades-in-arms and all the brave men and women, heroes and fighters who made it possible for us today to celebrate 100^th year of our freedom.