A photograph is a window of the moment to eternity. A photograph frame, which at first seems like a silent moment, begins to speak as you keep looking at it, just like cities. Cities speak every day with their streets, bridges, trees, and streams. They inevitably encounter someone to listen them, and they tell their stories. Art becomes the medium through which this voice resonates. The voice of the city is projected to the world through the mind of the accompanying artist.

This year, we will listen to the "City's Protest" at Bursa traditional International Photography Festival, which became the traditional value of Bursa. Between December 20 and January 20, as part of our festival, we will present 30 solo exhibitions and 3 group exhibitions to art enthusiasts in various galleries across our city. We will feel the art of photography in every corner of the city and dive into its depths through discussions, panels, and workshops.

In her work “Şehrin İtirazı” (City’s Protest), Feride Çiçekoğlu views cities not only as physical structures but also as carriers of collective memory through the concept of "the memory of space." Inspired by Çiçekoğlu’s work of the same name, this year we will witness the whispers, resistance, and silence of the city.

Through each frame reflected from the lenses of our artists, we will explore what lies hidden in the depths of Bursa.

While capturing a moment, a photograph also shapes how that moment will be remembered and perceived. While witnessing an “instant” through objective reality, we also get the opportunity to view the world through the eyes of the artist. The multi-layered nature of photography makes it a powerful artistic tool, sharpening its impact on our perception of reality. Every photograph is like a door to its own universe.

A single frame can often take the place of hundreds of words. The city, which carries thousands of years of memories in its heart, quietly waits to be seen. Our photographers will capture the unnoticed details in the streets of Bursa, where we may pass by every day without realizing them. We will be eagerly awaiting these frames.

We can only truly grasp the soul of a city through art. Culture and art not only make a city beautiful; they bring it to life and give it meaning. Every investment in art is the most meaningful investment in the essence of humanity and society.

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, "The task of art is not to imitate life, but to create it. Art spreads the light of freedom to the human soul." With these words, he expressed that artists offer society a world beyond existing reality. For this reason, as art finds more space in cities and society, new ideas emerge, and the concept of personal freedom deepens. 

This was also one of the goals of our photography festival. As the infinite diversity, complexity, and beauty of our city are captured in frames, our perception of the city will expand. Each photograph will take the viewer on a journey of thought, allowing them to rediscover their own feelings and memories of Bursa. We look forward to meeting you on this meaningful journey of discovery..…

Mustafa BOZBEY
Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality