Ankara: The first exhibition of Istanbul Photo Awards 2026 opens at Anadolu's AAtolye Exhibition Hall in the Turkish capital, Ankara. Speaking at the opening event, Anadolu CEO Serdar Karagoz highlighted the significance of the Istanbul Photo Awards 2026, which has become a prominent news photography contest, drawing top photographers and jury members globally while emphasizing stories that contribute to humanity's collective memory.
According to Anadolu Agency, Karagoz stated that 165 photographs selected from nearly 19,000 submissions are on display at this year's exhibit. He noted that many winning photos have also received awards in other international contests, underscoring the contest's value and credibility. He emphasized the lasting power of photography, remarking that some images endure beyond the events and people themselves.
Karagoz further mentioned Anadolu's photojournalists' contributions from conflict zones, enhancing its status as a leading news outlet. He reiterated the agency's ambition to rank among the world's top three news agencies and highlighted its coverage of Gaza, focusing on documenting events and preserving evidence through reporting and photography.
Burhanettin Duran, Trkiye's communications director, praised Anadolu's international journalism role and its continued historic mission with strong institutional capacity and global reach. Duran described the Istanbul Photo Awards as a reflection of that strength and a respected platform since its inception in 2015. He noted that this year's Photo of the Year award went to Palestinian photographer Haitham Imad's image "Gaza, No Hope," depicting 2-year-old Sham at Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip.
Guatemalan Ambassador to Ankara, Eduardo Enrique Hernandez Recinos, commended the contest as a significant achievement, emphasizing the pressure and effort required to organize it annually. He remarked that the Gaza-related photos particularly captured his attention, illustrating journalists' ability to convey realities in real-time.
Ferudun Yilmaz, chair of the board of directors of national broadcaster TRT, remarked on the contest's role in witnessing historical moments through an artistic lens. Journalist and writer Ilnur Cevik acknowledged the challenges faced by photojournalists worldwide, describing the contest as "tremendous."
Istanbul Photo Awards 2026 saw approximately 19,000 photographs submitted, with 26 photographers receiving awards in 10 categories. The Photo of the Year award went to Palestinian photographer Haitham Imad for his image titled "Gaza, No Hope," shot for EPA. In total, 30 awards and $58,000 in prize money were distributed during the contest. The award-winning photos will be showcased in exhibitions both in Trkiye and internationally, as well as in the annual Istanbul Photo Awards photo album. This year's contest was held with Turkcell as its communications sponsor, with more information available at istanbulphotoawards.com.