Ara Güler, the son of an affluent family traditionally interested in art and culture, was born August 16, 1928. In school he soon focused on film and theater. His first camera, a 6x6 Rolleicord 2, was bought in 1948. Later, a Leica became his indispensable tool. After finishing his economics studies at the University of Istanbul and serving in the Turkish army, he joined “Yeny Hayat”, the magazine, where he became head of the photo department. In 1956 he started working as a photographer for Time Life and, from 1958 on, produced photojournalistic pieces for Paris Match and STERN. Güler received many awards. His work has been exhibited regularly, and he published more than 30 books. His iconic images have been collected by museums worldwide.

Exhibitions (Selection)

2011	„The Eye of Istanbul“, Polka Galerie, Paris, France
2010	„Das Auge Istanbuls“, Fotoforum West, Innsbruck, Austria
2009	„Das Auge Istanbuls“, vhs Fotogalerie, Stuttgart
2009	„Lost Istanbul, année 50-60“, MEP - Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris, France
2008	„Das Auge des Jahrhunderts. Ara Gülers Türkei“, Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn
2006	Russian National Center of Photography Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, Russia
2005	„Photographies“, Galerie Jean Brolly, Paris, France
2003	„Zum 75. Geburtstag: Das verlorene Istanbul / Berühmte Portraits“, Galerie argus fotokunst, Berlin
2003	„Fotografien aus der Türkei 1950 – 1994“, Die Kommunale Galerie im Leinwandhaus, Frankfurt
2001	„Ara Güler‘s Istanbul“, Huckleberry Gallery, London, England
1999	„Von Menschen am Goldenen Horn“, form nord, Worpswede
1994	Landesmuseum Düsseldorf
1993	„Istanbul, an Endless Reportage“, arranged by the History Foundation, Sandoz Gallery, Istanbul
1989	„The Classical Period 1950 – 1971“, Press Museum, Istanbul
1985	Tskuba World Fair, Tokyo, Japan
1977	„From the World of People“, Yapı Kredi Exhibition Center, Istanbul, Turkey
1977	„Creative Americans“, American center, Lahore, Pakistan
1970	Osaka World Fair, Turkish Pavilion, Osaka, Japan