A little further down another open doorway revealed a strong columnar structure, probably indicative of heavy loads were upstairs at one time. A steel stairway lead upstairs, I did not follow its lead.
At the other end of this section of the yard were a series of circular slabs which probably served as support for some storage tanks. Now, nothing on them, they laid there as another visual riddle and nice patterns to photograph in front of aging walls of the surrounding buildings. I walked into another large hall and noticed a power control panel on the left. Interestingly, most of the panel and its steel enclosure remained intact but all the wires leading from it were totally removed leaving only strong marks on the wall of being there for a long time. A little further down three round tables, or what remained from them were in a cluster as if a meeting was going to take place.
One element present in all the places I visited inside the Kirlangiç complex was broken window panes. The reason for that totally eluded me, but I noticed as they provided openings they also stood guard with their sharp edges. I had spent about two hours, maybe a little more exploring the sizable complex. Suleyman, who had arranged for the permit and also dropped me there with my gear returned and walked around with me a little. I had made almost a full circle and photographed the things I wanted to photograph. That, combined with the mayor, or someone from his office telling Suleyman that I had enough time photographing, we decided to leave the ghost-like facility.
If and when the town manages to convert this place to an art and cultural center it will likely not give any hints that it laid there with neglect, possibly even some vandalism. And, that’s a good thing.
Leah
Thank you for this! It was an unexpected, yet very pleasant find when googling kirlangic olive oil! I am transported through time and space by your hauntingly beautiful photography and prose. I have a Turkish friend and this made me think of her, her love of her home country and my desire to visit as soon as I can.
A. Cemal Ekin
Leah, I hope you will visit your friend soon; who knows you may even visit Ayvalik and see the old Kirlangic factory in person. Best wishes and I am glad to have been the bringer of good memories.