Colorful Turkey

A street coffee vendor at "Kumda Kahve" in Istanbul, smiling at the camera.

A cat walking on wet cobblestones beside the reflection of the Galata Tower in a puddle. Istanbul, early morning.

The steep slope of Sancaktar Yokuşu at the foot of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College in Fener. The massive stone walls at the base of the school resemble a medieval fortress — a textured backdrop for cinematic shots. Istanbul.

A palm tree framing the view of the Bosphorus: a yacht near the shore and the bridge in the morning haze. Istanbul.

The ruins of ancient Smyrna at the Kemeraltı market in Izmir. Stone arches frame the columns of the ancient city — a view through the centuries.

“A window into antiquity”: the columns of ancient Smyrna seen through a stone arch at the Kemeraltı market in Izmir. In the distance — the modern city with a minaret on the horizon.

Two cats in the ruins of ancient Smyrna: a ginger and a white one meet by a channel among ancient arches. Izmir, Kemeraltı market.

Panorama of Istanbul in the golden light of sunset: the Galata Tower among city rooftops, with the Turkish flag below against the greenery.

The historic Asansör elevator in Izmir, built in 1907. A brick tower with a dome, ornate railings, and a view over the city and the bay.

Early morning on Istiklal Street in Istanbul. One vendor is preparing his “KESTANE / MISIR” cart for roasting chestnuts and corn, another is carrying bottles of drinking water. The city is still empty — the working day is just beginning.

Women resting on the Bosphorus waterfront in Istanbul. Three silhouettes, three colours — and ferries heading into the distance.

Taksim Square in Istanbul decorated with Turkish flags. Yellow taxis, e-scooters and a bus stop — the city moves to its own rhythm.

Istanbul waterfront in the early morning. An old wooden boat on the shore, a group of teenagers nearby. The sun breaks through the clouds, lighting up the Bosphorus.

Arnavutköy Pier (Arnavutköy İskelesi) on the Bosphorus. A group of cyclists rides past an old white building with the Turkish flag. Istanbul.

Istiklal Street at night in Istanbul. A police car and a man with his dog resting calmly on the cobblestones. A contrast of the official and the everyday.

Portrait of a street vendor selling chestnuts and corn on Istiklal Street in Istanbul. From the “Colourful Turkey” series by art photographer Irina Ostapenko.

A simitçi — a street simit seller — with a tower of bread rings balanced on his head. Istanbul.

The “Istanbul Lamps” shop at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Visitors look at mosaic lamps and stained glass hanging from the ceiling.

A tea server (çaycı) with a tray at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Around him — a shop with souvenirs and bronze statuettes.

A woman in a traditional hijab and a liberated advertisement in one frame. A chance shot of the big city. Izmir.

A bride with a cigarette in her hand and the groom on a street in Istanbul. A shot about the modern Turkish bride.

A man in a white shirt and bow tie sitting in front of an old door. Istanbul.

A tulum cheese vendor at a market in Izmir. Two-year-aged cheese in goat and sheep skins.

A mussel vendor behind the counter at the Midyetik cafe in Kadıköy, Istanbul. In the foreground — a traditional snack: stuffed mussels with rice and lemon.

A shopkeeper in a sweet shop at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, sitting against shelves with Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts and Turkish delight rolls (sarma lokum).

A vivid contrast of historic Istanbul: the famous colourful doors in the vibrant Balat district.

A rainy day on a busy Istanbul street: passersby under bright umbrellas hurry along past an authentic Turkish pharmacy (Eczane) with its recognisable red sign.

A çekçekçi — a street collector of cardboard and plastic — pulls his cart along a street in Istanbul. The name comes from the Turkish verb “çekmek” — to pull.

A white motor yacht cuts through the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus, leaving a foamy wake behind. A Turkish flag flies at the stern. The top-down view emphasises the dynamics of movement and the solitude of the sea journey.

Night-time Istanbul and street art. A graffiti portrait of Charlie Chaplin on the closed shutters of a building, lit by evening lights. Nearby, a vintage frame with light bulbs glows, creating the atmosphere of an old cinema on a dark city street.