Emin Özmen: Olay
Translated as ‘event’ or ‘incident,’ Olay stands as a compelling narrative of a tumultuous decade in Turkey, meticulously captured by Emin Özmen. This inaugural work by Özmen serves as a retrospective of his cumulative efforts, depicting his homeland in a perpetual state of upheaval, marked by significant events: a thwarted coup d’état, grassroots uprisings, natural calamities, political purges, and ongoing military operations. This dynamic and swiftly unfolding collection of monochrome photographs is interspersed with moments of tranquility through contemplative color images and personal reflections. Despite the prevailing tension, Özmen’s work exudes a sense of grace and warmth, providing a nuanced and indispensable commentary on the Turkish state and the emotions of its people.
“We find ourselves consistently caught between violence and the serenity of everyday life. Turkey offers no respite. There is never a week without a drama, never a month without a major event. Olay serves as a documentation of Turkey, teetering on the edge of both violence and grace. Here, nothing is straightforward; everything intertwines and clashes, encompassing the beautiful and the ugly, sorrow and joy alike.” – Emin Özmen
The book encompasses a comprehensive timeline introduced by Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent for The Economist, alongside personal reflections penned by Özmen. Co-edited with Cloé Kerhoas, this publication provides a profound exploration of the intricate fabric of Turkey’s societal landscape.
About the Author
Emin Özmen is dedicated to capturing instances of human rights violations both within his native Turkey and globally, shedding light on the plight of those affected by civil unrest and social injustice.
Having pursued his education in photography at the Fine Arts Faculty of Marmara University in Istanbul, Özmen earned a degree in Documentary Photography from the University of Art and Design in Linz, Austria, in 2008.
In 2011, Özmen delved into documenting the famine in East Africa, the aftermath of the Japan Earthquake-Tsunami, and economic protests in Greece. The subsequent year marked the beginning of his coverage of the Syrian civil war and the IS crisis in Iraq, an ongoing focus of his work. Over the years, he has extended his efforts to regions such as South Sudan, Niger, Nigeria, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Turkey, among others.
His impactful photography has found a place in prestigious publications, including TIME magazine, New York Times, Washington Post, Der Spiegel, Le Monde magazine, Paris Match, and Newsweek.
Özmen boasts several accolades, including two World Press Photo awards and the Public Prize at The Bayeux Calvados Awards for War Correspondents. Additionally, he served on the jury for the 2016 and 2018 World Press Photo Multimedia contests.
In 2023, Özmen’s first book, titled ‘Olay,’ was published by Mack.
In 2017, Özmen became a part of Magnum Photos, further solidifying his impact in the world of documentary photography.
Currently residing in Istanbul, Özmen continues his tireless pursuit of documenting human stories and advocating for social justice.
