Elisa Zonaro’s Istanbul Photography Exhibition
Kübra Nur Nilüfer – Culture and Arts Editor
The Elisa Zonaro’s Istanbul photography exhibition is now open for visitors. Featuring photographs taken by Elisa Zonaro, wife of the palace painter Fausto Zonaro, the exhibition offers a glimpse into Istanbul from centuries ago. The photos, captured through Elisa Zonaro’s lens, showcase the city during a bygone era, and the exhibition is now open at Zeytinburnu Kazlıçeşme Sanat.
Curated by Ömer Faruk Şerifoğlu, the exhibition includes photographs taken by Elisa Zonaro, who lived in Istanbul for nearly 20 years with her husband Fausto Zonaro, who was appointed as Sultan Abdulhamid’s official palace painter. These images offer a woman’s perspective on Istanbul. The exhibition features 150 photographs from the late Ottoman period, taken between 1890 and 1910, transporting viewers on a historical journey through Istanbul.
One of the exhibition’s notable photographs shows Sultan Abdulhamid II greeting the public after Friday prayers.
Fausto and Elisa’s Love Story Across Continents
Another unforgettable aspect of the exhibition is the love story of Fausto and Elisa Zonaro. Their relationship began as a teacher-student connection in Italy and gradually evolved into a passionate romance. The couple shared a mutual fascination with Istanbul after reading the famous book Istanbul by renowned Italian author Edmondo de Amicis, who visited the city in the 1870s and captured his excitement in writing. Fausto Zonaro, rather than being just one of many painters in Italy, longed to become a renowned artist in a different geography.
In September 1890, Elisa Zonaro, a 27-year-old Italian woman, arrived in Istanbul, where she became acquainted with the diplomatic circle and was convinced that they could start a new life there. In November of the same year, Fausto Zonaro joined her. The couple lived in Istanbul until 1910, where they had four children, two daughters and two sons. Over time, the Zonaro family learned Turkish and spoke the language fluently. Although they eventually left Istanbul, they raised their children with a deep love for the city. This affection for Istanbul was passed down to their grandchildren, who continue the tradition today. In their home in Florence, Turkish flags and paintings of the Bosphorus are displayed, symbolizing the family’s enduring passion and loyalty to the ancient city.
A catalogue was also published as part of the exhibition. The catalogue bears the signatures of Cesare Mario Trevigne, Ömer Faruk Şerifoğlu and Alev Berberoğlu.
The Elisa Zonaro’s Istanbul exhibition is open at Kazlıçeşme Sanat in Istanbul until January 31st.
