Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition Opens in Istanbul
The British Embassy in Turkey has partnered with the Natural History Museum (NHM) in the UK to bring the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition to Istanbul. Hosted at the historic British Consulate General building, the event showcases 18 award-winning photographs selected from nearly 60,000 global entries.
Inauguration of a Cultural Showcase
The grand opening was hosted by British Ambassador Jill Morris and Consul General Kenan Poleo, drawing attendees from diverse fields, including photography, art, conservation, and business. The exhibition, renowned for its celebration of wildlife photography, is an international platform highlighting the incredible talent of photographers from around the world.
To complement the global exhibition, Tarabya British Schools (TBS) hosted a Turkey-based wildlife photography competition among its students. The winners were honored at the opening night, and their photographs were also featured at the event. Dr. Mehmet Gültekin, Chairman of the Board of TBS, remarked, “It is a privilege to sponsor this remarkable event showcasing exceptional wildlife photography. Inspired by this initiative, our students have displayed creativity and a deeper understanding of art and culture.”
Statements from the Hosts
British Consul General Kenan Poleo emphasized the cultural importance of such events, stating, “Visitors to the UK can experience the rich diversity of British culture through institutions like the Natural History Museum.” He also expressed pride in showcasing the NHM’s award-winning works in Istanbul.
Ambassador Jill Morris invited Turkish photographers to participate in future editions of the competition, adding, “This exhibition not only celebrates the beauty and diversity of wildlife but also inspires photographers to capture nature’s magnificence. I hope to see Turkish photographers among the winners in the coming years.”
Featured Highlights
One of the evening’s highlig
hts was a keynote speech by renowned archaeologist Prof. Ian Hodder, who discussed the evolving biodiversity of the Konya Plain amidst cli
mate change. Guests had the opportunity to view the award-winning photographs, which included striking visuals capturing urban wildlife, animal behaviors, and intimate nature portraits.
The exhibition is made possible through collaborations with WWF Turkey, the British Council, and the British Institute in Ankara.
About the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition
Launched in 1965 by BBC Wildlife Magazine and later supported by the Natural History Museum in 1984, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition has become the gold standard for global wildlife photography. This year’s 60th anniversary competition received entries from over 117 countries, showcasing the power of photography to inspire environmental advocacy.
Key points about the competition:
- Open to photographers of all ages, nationalities, and expertise (both amateur and professional).
- Annual submissions begin in October, with categories ranging from urban wildlife to animal portraits.
- Winners are selected from tens of thousands of entries by an expert panel.
This year’s winning works will be seen by over one million people as they tour internationally. The competition also includes special awards like the Rising Star Portfolio Award and the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which features three categories for young talents.
For more information about the competition and its award-winning photographs, visit the official Wildlife Photographer of the Year website.
