212 Photography Istanbul 2026
The City’s Festival
Ninth Edition: 26 September – 11 October
In a year that marks the 200th anniversary of photography, 212 Photography Istanbul opens up space to reflect on how photography is produced, remembered, transformed and how it leaves its mark.
As every year, the programme brings together different practices around photography through exhibitions, talks, film screenings and workshops, welcoming artists, academics and creative voices from Turkey and around the world to Istanbul.
For the full programme, participating artists, venues and the festival route unfolding across both sides of the city, follow @212photographyistanbul.
The 200th Anniversary of Photography
Ahead of its ninth edition, 212 Photography Istanbul celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Photography with a special public program at Pera Museum.
The event brought together photographers, academics, researchers, curators, and photography enthusiasts to explore photography's history, evolution, and future through four panel discussions. Orhan Cem Çetin, Burcu Böcekler, Yağız Genç, Kumru Eren, Demet Yıldız Dinçer, Osman Nuri İyem, Sinem Dişli, Fırat Arapoğlu, Koray Birand, and İlker Canikligil shared their perspectives on photography's cultural, artistic, and technological transformations.
The program marked one of the first events leading up to the 9th edition of 212 Photography Istanbul, which will take place from 26 September to 11 October 2026, featuring exhibitions, talks, workshops, screenings, and special events across Istanbul.
INTERNATIONAL
212 PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
The International 212 Photography Competition aims to discover photographers from diverse backgrounds around the world and create a platform where different perspectives and experiences come together. The competition accepts amateur and professional photographers of all ages who are passionate about photography. The deadline for applications is September 6, 2026.