‘Elisa Zonaro's Istanbul’ on display at Kazlıçeşme Art

An exhibition titled "Elisa Zonaro's Istanbul," showcasing the works of photographer Elisa Zonaro — the wife of renowned Ottoman-era palace painter Fausto Zonaro — has opened at Istanbul's Kazlıçeşme Sanat.

Curated by Ömer Faruk Şerifoğlu, the exhibition includes photographs of Istanbul taken by Zonaro between 1890 and 1910, as well as paintings by Fausto Zonaro and some objects belonging to the Zonaro family.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, who was a guest at the opening of the exhibition on Nov. 1, stated that Istanbul is the most beautiful city in the world when you look at photos of it from 100 years ago, and said, "We live in the most beautiful city in the world. Culture, art, love, and such activities suit Istanbul very well."

Zeytinburnu Mayor Ömer Arısoy pointed out that those living in Istanbul were in a pleasant dream, saying, "That's why we have heard about Istanbul mostly from foreign poets and writers, and seen it through the eyes of foreign painters and photographers. Two of those, who were influenced by the writer Edmondo De Amicis and went to Istanbul, are Elisa and Fausto Zonaro."

Noting that Elisa Zonaro was awarded by Sultan Abdulhamid II, Arısoy said: "She was given free access to the palace and the harem [seraglio]. Daily life, architecture, portraits of famous people and families in Istanbul were reflected in European exhibitions with her photographs. The Zonaro couple gave birth and raised their children in Istanbul. After living here for nearly 20 years, they left behind an invaluable visual legacy when they returned to Italy with their four children. Today, we will see Istanbul from a century ago. These photographs come together for the first time in an exhibition and book."

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