This portfolio follows the three-part posts about my experience and observations in, around, and about the old Kırlangıç Olive Oil factory in Ayvalik. (Kırlangıç is the Turkish word for swallow, the bird) The brand and its logo remind me of my childhood as my mother, and possibly my grandmother used this olive oil brand. On dark green rectangular cans, the black Kırlangıç would appear against olive oil yellow background.
The factory has been abandoned for possibly two decades, maybe three, but shows a significant level of decay, destruction, and overall run-down appearance. Built on the shores of the Aegean Sea, the complex now belongs to the municipality which plans to convert the entire facility to an art and culture center. I could not be happier if and when that materializes. Ayvalik is at a crossroads, it will either become a resort town for the wealthy or make its voice heard as a center that fosters art in many forms. The history of the town will likely benefit, and augment the latter. But, there are indications that the wealthy have discovered the town and parceled out some prime areas for their compounds. I hope for an Ayvalik that is a vibrant art and cultural center on the Aegean while fully fear the resort town alternative.
I chose the present the monochrome versions of the photographs and toned them to link to the bygone era. That seems to fit the empty space of the old factory now conveyed. Also, by removing color, I separated the photographs one more step from reality, another layer of abstraction if you will. You can view the color versions by visiting the posts below:
Kirlangic
By Cemal Ekin in Bound Folios
46 pages, published 9/1/2012
Photographs, taken in and around the old Kirlangic olive oil factory in Ayvalik, Turkey
