Istanbul Through Photographs

Hello,

My name is Tolga Sıtkı. I was born in Istanbul in 1975. I’m an architect by training, but for the past ten years, I’ve been working professionally as a photographer.

I'm a passionate lover of Istanbul; I still photograph this beautiful city with the same excitement and admiration as I did on day one—and I take immense joy in doing so.

The Maiden’s Tower, Haydarpaşa Train Station, Sultanahmet Square, Galata Tower, the Bosphorus Bridges, the streets of Balat, and of course, Istanbul’s cats and seagulls—these are the subjects I return to again and again. They’re simply irreplaceable for me.

When I look back at the frames I’ve captured, I realize that every corner of Istanbul has its own beauty—through every season and every moment. Just as waking up to a new day feels different each time, the Maiden’s Tower, Balat’s colorful alleys, or Hagia Sophia—each one reveals a new kind of beauty in every photograph.

The Maiden’s Tower

Rising on a small islet just off the coast of Salacak, the Maiden’s Tower—once known as Damalis and Leandros—is a delicate landmark beloved not only by visitors, but by photographers as well. Its history dates all the way back to the 400s BC, making it one of Istanbul’s most iconic and enduring symbols.

A favorite subject in countless photo frames, the tower was ranked fifth on Instagram’s list of the “Most Photographed Historic Landmarks in the World.” That alone speaks volumes about its timeless charm.

Hagia Sophia

Majestic, grand, and captivating—these are perhaps the three words that best describe Hagia Sophia. Widely regarded as one of the most significant architectural masterpieces in the world, visiting Hagia Sophia is an experience all on its own.

Listening to the stories behind its construction, understanding its architectural features, and studying its mosaics and tiles will take more time than you might expect. And if you happen to have your camera with you... well, be prepared to lose yourself in the details.

Balat

With its colorful houses, churches, patriarchates, and deep-rooted history, Balat is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul. It’s no coincidence that nearly every photography tour in the city eventually finds its way here.

If you're passionate about history or cultural tours, I highly recommend a visit to Balat. Wandering between artisan shops, cafés, and vintage stores—with plenty of breaks along the way—will help you capture some truly stunning shots. And if you have more time, you can expand your walk to include the neighboring districts of Cibali, Fener, and Ayvansaray for a more immersive experience.

Istanbul Views

The cityscape photos I take from the ferry never fail to fill me with awe—they're a constant reminder of what a special privilege it is to live in such a beautiful city. Especially when the frame includes the iconic Galata Tower, a bridge in the background, and of course, the ever-present seagulls soaring over the Bosphorus…

The Galata Tower and its surroundings feel like a world of their own. Hard as it may be to believe, this tower—once the tallest structure in Istanbul—has stood witness to civilizations dating back to prehistoric times.

Inside, there's a museum and an upper terrace offering a panoramic view of Istanbul, filled with details that make photographing the experience even more enjoyable. And let’s not forget the area around it. When you visit the Galata Tower, you might want to continue your photo walk to the Galata Mevlevihanesi, the city’s first Mevlevi lodge and an important structure from the Ottoman era.

Tarlabaşı

Some neighborhoods have stories etched into every corner—and Tarlabaşı is one of them. Here, every person and every home has a tale to tell. As the poet once said, “The streets of Tarlabaşı are washed in history.” Naturally, every photo you take becomes a small glimpse into one of those stories.

I started taking photographs in 1986. What began as a hobby gradually became a way of life—and for the past ten years, it has been the central focus of my world.

Being an architect has undoubtedly had a major influence on my photography. My tendency toward discipline and attention to detail allows me to look at structures and buildings from a different perspective when I press the shutter. While aesthetics take the lead, it’s not just about capturing an image—it’s about the people, colors, posture, and countless other elements within the frame that matter to me. I aim to capture the most beautiful moment at the most perfect time.

Sometimes it happens spontaneously. Other times, it means setting up my tripod and waiting patiently—sometimes for hours—for the sunrise or sunset. But no matter what, I put the same care and dedication into every shot.

Photography not only enhances your imagination, but also gives you the chance to reflect what’s on your mind and in your heart.

If you have even the slightest interest in photography, I say—just start somewhere. And let Istanbul be your main character. It will open the door to new dreams every single time, offering breathtaking beauty beyond anything you could imagine.

If you photograph Istanbul with love,
it will return the favor with its most beautiful poses.

With love…

Tolga Sıtkı (@tolga.sitki)