"Aerial Adana"

March 14, 2016. On a stormy day my son Murat and I set off from Istanbul towards Adana. Our aim was to shoot photographs from the air for my photo exhibition to be held at the Orange Blossom Carnival in Adana in April. A few months ago when I was asked to do a carnival event, I decided to organize an exhibition of aerial photographs covering Adana and its surroundings.

I started flying with a paramotor in 2003 to be able to shoot aerials as well as enjoy flying. In subsequent years I was shooting from the air in many parts of Turkey for both commercial and personal purposes. I opened my first aerial photo exhibition in 2008 called "High Angle" at the PG ART Gallery in Istanbul. So, I was very excited about the idea of ​​organizing such an exhibition for Adana where I was born and raised.
As a result of a few months of work, Bülent Tüzün, my classmate from Tarsus American College, and I have selected the areas to shoot. The weather, take-off and landing areas and risks were not very clear in this project. We decided to make these evaluations on location. When my son Murat, himself a paramotor pilot, decided to come with me, there was no doubt in my mind that this project would succeed.

The weather was on our side except for a day or two during ten days of shooting. Watching the natural and historical texture of Adana from the air was a first for me. We completed the project successfully without any major disruptions and opened the exhibition in April. The compliments I received at the exhibition which was met with an interest beyond my expectations showed me once again that we were doing the right thing. I felt that I made a permanent contribution to Adana and created a work that I am proud of...
"Stone Bridge" - Stone Bridge (Taşköprü) is a Roman-era monument combining the eastern and western facades on the Seyhan River in the city center of Adana. During my childhood, we passed through the Stone Bridge almost every day on the way to Karataş beaches. The bridge, now closed to vehicle traffic, is the most important symbol of Adana for me. Of course I had to shoot it in a different and impressive way. I isolated the bridge inside the blue green shades of the Seyhan River. The people on it added extra color and richness.
"Stone Bridge" - Stone Bridge (Taşköprü) is a Roman-era monument combining the eastern and western facades on the Seyhan River in the city center of Adana. During my childhood, we passed through the Stone Bridge almost every day on the way to Karataş beaches. The bridge, now closed to vehicle traffic, is the most important symbol of Adana for me. Of course I had to shoot it in a different and impressive way. I isolated the bridge inside the blue green shades of the Seyhan River. The people on it added extra color and richness.
"Yumurtalik 2" - There is a giant wetland system between the mouth of the Ceyhan River and the Yumurtalik Gulf, consisting of lagoons, salt marshes, mud flats, reeds, wet meadows, sand dunes and a pine forest. The main wetlands are the Yumurtalik (or Çamlik) lagoon and the fisheries inside of these. The salt marshes in Yumurtalık, which are seen in different colors at different seasons, looked like a thin line when viewed from the land. When I went up in the air I met with a scene evocative of tropical paradise islands.
"Yumurtalik 2" - There is a giant wetland system between the mouth of the Ceyhan River and the Yumurtalik Gulf, consisting of lagoons, salt marshes, mud flats, reeds, wet meadows, sand dunes and a pine forest. The main wetlands are the Yumurtalik (or Çamlik) lagoon and the fisheries inside of these. The salt marshes in Yumurtalık, which are seen in different colors at different seasons, looked like a thin line when viewed from the land. When I went up in the air I met with a scene evocative of tropical paradise islands.
"Kesiri Inn" - During the Crusades, many accomodation places and fortresses were built in Çakıt Valley which is the most important gateway to Anatolia. When I came within range I saw that the dimensions of the inn, the design and the contrast it made with the colors of the cultivated areas were really impressive. Rain started and I made a pass at the angle I wanted, shot my frames and decided to land at the first suitable spot. There was only one dirt road to land on between the fields. I looked for a sign to determine the direction of the wind, but I could not find anything. Just then I saw an old farmer with yellow boots walking on the road. I flew over, idled the engine and shouted, "Where does the wind come from?" Surprisingly, I saw the farmer turn towards the wind and move both hands up and down, showing me the direction of the wind. I made a quick circle and landed.
"Kesiri Inn" - During the Crusades, many accomodation places and fortresses were built in Çakıt Valley which is the most important gateway to Anatolia. When I came within range I saw that the dimensions of the inn, the design and the contrast it made with the colors of the cultivated areas were really impressive. Rain started and I made a pass at the angle I wanted, shot my frames and decided to land at the first suitable spot. There was only one dirt road to land on between the fields. I looked for a sign to determine the direction of the wind, but I could not find anything. Just then I saw an old farmer with yellow boots walking on the road. I flew over, idled the engine and shouted, "Where does the wind come from?" Surprisingly, I saw the farmer turn towards the wind and move both hands up and down, showing me the direction of the wind. I made a quick circle and landed.
"Varda Bridge" - Varda Bridge is a 172 meter long stone masonry-type bridge, built with great difficulty at the beginning of the 20th century by German engineers and still in use today. The bridge is in a risky place for flying. After a long, winding journey, we arrived at the bridge in a valley of the Taurus Mountains. We searched for a flat and open area for my takeoff. Fortunately, we found a field not too far from the bridge. I shot the bridge in a turbulent air with downdrafts that threw me around, due to the shape of the land. Not a comfortable flight at all! Nevertheless, it was a great pleasure to photograph this historical monument.
"Varda Bridge" - Varda Bridge is a 172 meter long stone masonry-type bridge, built with great difficulty at the beginning of the 20th century by German engineers and still in use today. The bridge is in a risky place for flying. After a long, winding journey, we arrived at the bridge in a valley of the Taurus Mountains. We searched for a flat and open area for my takeoff. Fortunately, we found a field not too far from the bridge. I shot the bridge in a turbulent air with downdrafts that threw me around, due to the shape of the land. Not a comfortable flight at all! Nevertheless, it was a great pleasure to photograph this historical monument.
"Big Clock" - The Big Clock was seen as the symbol of modernization in the history of Adana. It is Turkey's tallest clock tower with its 32 meter height. I had to find the most suitable angle to capture the other important symbol of Adana, the Big Clock, with its surroundings. After flying near it for a while I took my shot where I felt the the tower best stood out.
"Big Clock" - The Big Clock was seen as the symbol of modernization in the history of Adana. It is Turkey's tallest clock tower with its 32 meter height. I had to find the most suitable angle to capture the other important symbol of Adana, the Big Clock, with its surroundings. After flying near it for a while I took my shot where I felt the the tower best stood out.
"Karaisali" - Karaisali is a town located 51 km north-northwest from the Adana city center and has been home to various civilizations since it was founded by the Romans. It always attracts tourists with its historical and natural parks. The stunning aesthetic created by the wild colors of the nature in spring preparation and the giant Cukurova's farmland and the seasonal clouds that I witnessed during this shoot have made me to feel like flying inside of a dramatic oil painting.
"Karaisali" - Karaisali is a town located 51 km north-northwest from the Adana city center and has been home to various civilizations since it was founded by the Romans. It always attracts tourists with its historical and natural parks. The stunning aesthetic created by the wild colors of the nature in spring preparation and the giant Cukurova's farmland and the seasonal clouds that I witnessed during this shoot have made me to feel like flying inside of a dramatic oil painting.
"Pine Grove" - On a peninsula between the Yumurtalik-Camlik lagoon is a forest covering an area of 59 hectares comprising the rare Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis). The Pine Grove region in Yumurtalık looked like a green oasis tucked between the brown of the fields and the blue of the sea. I am always excited about the surprising aerial views that we do not notice on the surface. Pine Grove was one of the best examples of this. The presence of such a protected nature area in Adana made me extra happy.
"Pine Grove" - On a peninsula between the Yumurtalik-Camlik lagoon is a forest covering an area of 59 hectares comprising the rare Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis). The Pine Grove region in Yumurtalık looked like a green oasis tucked between the brown of the fields and the blue of the sea. I am always excited about the surprising aerial views that we do not notice on the surface. Pine Grove was one of the best examples of this. The presence of such a protected nature area in Adana made me extra happy.
"Yumurtalik 3" - There is a giant wetland system between the mouth of the Ceyhan River and the Yumurtalik Gulf, consisting of lagoons, salt marshes, mud flats, reeds, wet meadows, sand dunes and a pine forest. The main wetlands are the Yumurtalik (or Çamlik) lagoon and the fisheries inside of these. - The detail that I saw on the colorful salt marshes located on the sea in Yumurtalik lagoon looked like a jigsaw puzzle.
"Yumurtalik 3" - There is a giant wetland system between the mouth of the Ceyhan River and the Yumurtalik Gulf, consisting of lagoons, salt marshes, mud flats, reeds, wet meadows, sand dunes and a pine forest. The main wetlands are the Yumurtalik (or Çamlik) lagoon and the fisheries inside of these. - The detail that I saw on the colorful salt marshes located on the sea in Yumurtalik lagoon looked like a jigsaw puzzle.
"Seyhan" - Seyhan River is the most important of Turkey's rivers flowing into the Mediterranean. Its length is 850 kilometers. I wanted to capture the exquisite curves of the Seyhan River. I figured that I could do this in the delta where the river flows into the Mediterranean and it would be easier to reach the region from the air. So I decided to take off from Akyatan Lake, 25 kilometers east. I reached the area after a long flight. When I flew behind the big curve of the river to capture the photograph that I wanted, I was surprised by the very rough turbulence. The situation was a little dangerous but I was determined. After getting the result that I wanted, I returned to my starting point, again after a long flight.
"Seyhan" - Seyhan River is the most important of Turkey's rivers flowing into the Mediterranean. Its length is 850 kilometers. I wanted to capture the exquisite curves of the Seyhan River. I figured that I could do this in the delta where the river flows into the Mediterranean and it would be easier to reach the region from the air. So I decided to take off from Akyatan Lake, 25 kilometers east. I reached the area after a long flight. When I flew behind the big curve of the river to capture the photograph that I wanted, I was surprised by the very rough turbulence. The situation was a little dangerous but I was determined. After getting the result that I wanted, I returned to my starting point, again after a long flight.
"Anavarza" - The ancient city of Anavarza (Anazarbus/Caesarea ad Anabarsum) is located 28 kilometers south of the Kozan town of Adana. Among the important remnants of Anavarza is the medieval castle on the hill rising like an island in the middle of the plain. The magnificent castle and city, reminiscent of a film decor, continues to live in today's village houses with tired stones bearing traces of the past. My paramotor broke down after finding a suitable place for takeoff. Fortunately, I had my second engine and I was able to shoot this wonderful castle.
"Anavarza" - The ancient city of Anavarza (Anazarbus/Caesarea ad Anabarsum) is located 28 kilometers south of the Kozan town of Adana. Among the important remnants of Anavarza is the medieval castle on the hill rising like an island in the middle of the plain. The magnificent castle and city, reminiscent of a film decor, continues to live in today's village houses with tired stones bearing traces of the past. My paramotor broke down after finding a suitable place for takeoff. Fortunately, I had my second engine and I was able to shoot this wonderful castle.
"Field" - Çukurova meets 85 percent of Turkey's citrus production and exports. I learned that these fields, which are located immediately next to the Mediterranean, are very valuable due to their sandy structures. Since when one talks about Cukurova, large cultivated areas come to my mind, I couldn’t do without shooting a field detail. Compositional elements that I teach in my courses, perspective, line, diagonals, texture, pattern, surface, backlight and contrast are all in this minimalist photograph.
"Field" - Çukurova meets 85 percent of Turkey's citrus production and exports. I learned that these fields, which are located immediately next to the Mediterranean, are very valuable due to their sandy structures. Since when one talks about Cukurova, large cultivated areas come to my mind, I couldn’t do without shooting a field detail. Compositional elements that I teach in my courses, perspective, line, diagonals, texture, pattern, surface, backlight and contrast are all in this minimalist photograph.
"Tuzla" - Tuzla Fishery, located in the delta where Seyhan River meets with the Mediterranean in the south of Adana, is spread over an area of ​​800 hectares. We went to Tuzla Lake hoping to see the pink flamingos migrating in the spring months. Unfortunately, we learned that they did not move down from north to south that year due to global warming. During the flight, that wonderful natural and virgin structure of Tuzla was laid under my feet. I heartily wish that this coastal area between Ceyhan and Seyhan rivers will remain as it is.
"Tuzla" - Tuzla Fishery, located in the delta where Seyhan River meets with the Mediterranean in the south of Adana, is spread over an area of ​​800 hectares. We went to Tuzla Lake hoping to see the pink flamingos migrating in the spring months. Unfortunately, we learned that they did not move down from north to south that year due to global warming. During the flight, that wonderful natural and virgin structure of Tuzla was laid under my feet. I heartily wish that this coastal area between Ceyhan and Seyhan rivers will remain as it is.
"Küçükburhaniye" - Ceyhan River and Küçükburhaniye Village near the Yilankale (Snake Castle). In the background are foggy blue hills, fields decorated with different shades of green and brown, Küçükburhaniye Village, a curved Ceyhan river and a modern highway in the form of a thin line, reminded me of Far East style landscapes.
"Küçükburhaniye" - Ceyhan River and Küçükburhaniye Village near the Yilankale (Snake Castle). In the background are foggy blue hills, fields decorated with different shades of green and brown, Küçükburhaniye Village, a curved Ceyhan river and a modern highway in the form of a thin line, reminded me of Far East style landscapes.
"Snake Castle" - Yilankale (Snake Castle) is located 10 km west of the town of Ceyhan. During the Crusades in the 12th Century, it was built on a dominant hill near the Ceyhan river. It's one of the most important of the nearly 50 castles in Adana. When I came to photograph it, we found a very narrow path suitable for takeoff between cultivated areas. After the takeoff, this stunning white castle built on stark rocks and twisting like a serpent, seemed like an unreal figure out of fantastic films.
"Snake Castle" - Yilankale (Snake Castle) is located 10 km west of the town of Ceyhan. During the Crusades in the 12th Century, it was built on a dominant hill near the Ceyhan river. It's one of the most important of the nearly 50 castles in Adana. When I came to photograph it, we found a very narrow path suitable for takeoff between cultivated areas. After the takeoff, this stunning white castle built on stark rocks and twisting like a serpent, seemed like an unreal figure out of fantastic films.
"Akyatan" - On the shore of the Akyatan Lake, the orderly area with trees resembling lines of musical notes turns into an intricate chaos near the sea and, with the help of a fine sandy beach, disconnects from the blue Mediterranean reflecting Cukurova's harsh sun.
"Akyatan" - On the shore of the Akyatan Lake, the orderly area with trees resembling lines of musical notes turns into an intricate chaos near the sea and, with the help of a fine sandy beach, disconnects from the blue Mediterranean reflecting Cukurova's harsh sun.
"Dam Lake" - Built in 1953, Adana Seyhan Dam is still used for hydroelectricity generation and modern irrigation of the entire Çukurova region. I wanted to photograph the artificial lake, with its fjords. Although we found the take-off point I had discovered 12 years ago to fly in the same region, there was a very narrow area left because the water level had risen. Since we could not find a more suitable area according to the wind direction, I took the risk of the glider wing falling into the water. Fortunately, I successfully took off, flew and landed.inlets.
"Dam Lake" - Built in 1953, Adana Seyhan Dam is still used for hydroelectricity generation and modern irrigation of the entire Çukurova region. I wanted to photograph the artificial lake, with its fjords. Although we found the take-off point I had discovered 12 years ago to fly in the same region, there was a very narrow area left because the water level had risen. Since we could not find a more suitable area according to the wind direction, I took the risk of the glider wing falling into the water. Fortunately, I successfully took off, flew and landed.inlets.
"Herd" - A little further away from the village, at the foot of the hill on which Snake Castle is built, I came across a large flock of sheep, a shepherd's dog, the shepherd and his wife on a donkey and a flock of storks that had just migrated to the country from Africa. After landing under the curious gaze of the four young people we met at the take-off area, we did not forget to take a "selfie" with the little girl who came running breathlessly from her village with her cell phone in her hand.
"Herd" - A little further away from the village, at the foot of the hill on which Snake Castle is built, I came across a large flock of sheep, a shepherd's dog, the shepherd and his wife on a donkey and a flock of storks that had just migrated to the country from Africa. After landing under the curious gaze of the four young people we met at the take-off area, we did not forget to take a "selfie" with the little girl who came running breathlessly from her village with her cell phone in her hand.
"Magarsus" - The ancient city of Magarsus, located on the coast of Karatas district, 49 kilometers from Adana, was founded in the 7th century BC. This small amphitheater near Karataş, unearthed a few years ago, hints at the hidden treasures that lie beneath the soil of Çukurova.
"Magarsus" - The ancient city of Magarsus, located on the coast of Karatas district, 49 kilometers from Adana, was founded in the 7th century BC. This small amphitheater near Karataş, unearthed a few years ago, hints at the hidden treasures that lie beneath the soil of Çukurova.
"Yumurtalik Fishery" - There is fishing in the natural fishery in the Sarıgöl area where fish such as sea bass, mullet and bream enter for nesting in the season. It’s a resting stop for migratory birds such as ducks, geese and flamingos. This area, used for fishing, suddenly appeared before me like a painting. The color gradient that started in the water continued in different shades on land. Very calm flight conditions which normally take place at the sea’s edge was not so in the Cukurova area. Air turbulance created by thermals caused by the land structure made flying difficult.
"Yumurtalik Fishery" - There is fishing in the natural fishery in the Sarıgöl area where fish such as sea bass, mullet and bream enter for nesting in the season. It’s a resting stop for migratory birds such as ducks, geese and flamingos. This area, used for fishing, suddenly appeared before me like a painting. The color gradient that started in the water continued in different shades on land. Very calm flight conditions which normally take place at the sea’s edge was not so in the Cukurova area. Air turbulance created by thermals caused by the land structure made flying difficult.
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