Bilkom, one of Turkey’s leading technology distribution companies, is undertaking an important project on the centenary of the Republic of Turkey to preserve the historical photographs of Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz, one of the most important document photographers of the Early Republic period, and to pass them on to future generations.
Meaningful ‘One Hundred Years Heritage: Bengüboz’ project from Bilkom
With the ‘One Hundred Years of Heritage: Bengüboz Project’, the original glass negatives of the master photographer who documented the social and cultural transformation that came with the Republic between 1923 and 1939 are being protected.
With this project, the photo archive containing the holiday celebrations of the first 10 years of the Republic and important documents of social transformation is carried to the future with digital and innovative applications. The focus of the project is to preserve the visual legacy of documentary photographer Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz, who spent a significant part of his life in World War I and the War of Independence, learned photography from the British in captivity, and brought the enthusiasm of the first years of the Republic to the present after the war.
‘Project to Preserve the Works of Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz’, which started with the slogan ‘One Hundred Years of Heritage’; It was implemented in partnership with Mudurnu District Governorate, Mudurnu Municipality and Koç University Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Application and Research Center (VEKAM), with the support of academics and professional photographers.
Within the scope of the project, Bengüboz’s archive consisting of 1,003 glass negatives that have survived to the present day is protected and 450 photographs selected from the archive are brought to the present day through physical and digital exhibition applications.
Dr. The photographs exhibited in the project curated by Ayşe Ege Yıldırım were subjected to digital restoration and colorization using artificial intelligence and innovative methods. At the same time, the works registered with the NFT infrastructure were also secured in the digital world.
Bilkom General Manager Fikret Ballıkaya, in his evaluation of “One Hundred Years of Heritage: Bengüboz Project”; “In this special period when we are witnessing the centenary of the Republic of Turkey, we are very proud and pleased to undertake this special task in the project we initiated to preserve the precious legacy of Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz, one of the most important values of our country, and to carry it to the future. As Turkey’s Digital Life Coach, being able to revive our country’s values with the innovative opportunities of technology and bring the historical and cultural heritage together with future generations is another important point that makes us proud. “On this occasion, we celebrate the centenary of our Republic and sincerely thank everyone who contributed to preserve the special legacy of Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz,” he said.
Koç University Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Application and Research Center Director Prof. took over the scientific consultancy of the project. Dr. Filiz Yenişehirlioğlu said in her statement: “By donating this important collection they own to the society with a selfless act, the Bengüboz family contributed not only to the cultural history of Mudurnu but also to the history of Turkey, and it is an exemplary example for understanding the nature of such collections as a source of scientific studies and new research. showed attitude. “We are happy to contribute, together with the project stakeholders, to the transfer and preservation of this important collection, which is a historical document and allows the reflections of the Early Republican Period to be monitored uninterruptedly in an Anatolian town for a certain period of time, to future generations using new technologies in the centenary of the Republic.” said.
With the ‘One Hundred Years of Heritage’ project, Bilkom aims to reach Ahmet İzzet Bengüboz’s visual legacy to wider and different audiences with the power of digital. While works are exhibited in the virtual museum created at www.yuzyillikmiras.com, Bengüboz’s inspiring life story is also shared.
With this project, Bilkom aims to convey the extraordinary story of Bengüboz and documents related to the first days of the Republic to younger generations. During October and November, the company; It will carry this story to different cities with traveling exhibitions in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Bolu. Within the scope of the project, a series of events will be organized that will bring together professional and amateur photographers, and Turkey’s photography enthusiasts will be invited to be inspired by Bengüboz’s legacy and meet the works of art that reflect his spirit.