Date of use : 1963 Turkey

Fahri Seyrek and the Visual History of İzmit

Fahri Seyrek (1904–1975) is recognized as one of the esteemed figures in Turkish photography, particularly known for documenting the social and spatial transformation of İzmit and the Kocaeli region throughout the 20th century. He began his artistic journey at the young age of 12, developing a keen interest in photography that eventually turned into a lifelong profession. In 1932, he established his own studio in İzmit, marking the beginning of his professional career. He quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading photographers in the region.

Starting from 1940, Seyrek won numerous first-place awards in various national photography competitions, proving his value not only on a local level but also on a national scale. However, what truly sets him apart is his meticulous effort in recording İzmit's changing face over the decades. Seyrek's archive comprises countless black-and-white photographs capturing the city's old neighborhoods, streets, people, port, factories, and everyday life. These photographs are not merely artistic images but also serve as invaluable documents of İzmit's social history. His works focusing on industrial landmarks such as the SEKA and Hereke factories, as well as the city's historical buildings, play a significant role in preserving İzmit's cultural heritage.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.