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 very 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 two, maybe three decades, 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 but fear the resort town alternative.
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I chose to present below the monochrome versions of the photographs, toned to link them to a bygone era. That fits better to the emptiness of the old factory. 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 above.
Order printed collection of Kirlangic photographs
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
