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Tersine Göç (‘Reverse Migration’ in Turkish)

Head On Photo Festival 2024
Mert Berdilek
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Mert Berdilek
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary

After traversing over 8000 km across Türkiye, a project emerged exploring the country’s transformation over the past century. Shot entirely on medium-format film, Tersine Göç (‘Reverse migration’ in Turkish) delves into the essence of the nation and its people, where past and present intertwine. In some of the most remote areas, I discovered fleeting glimpses of humanity’s purity.

The series begins with an image titled My only friend, depicting a shepherd alongside his donkey against the backdrop of Mount Ararat. One twilight evening, while driving from Doğubeyazıt to Iğdır, the sight of a lone shepherd with his herd captivated me. I spoke with him and learned he hadn’t seen anyone in days and that he had no name for his donkey despite their nine years together. When I asked if the donkey was his friend, he quietly replied, “He’s my only friend.” Touched by his words, I suggested we name the donkey. Reflecting on this encounter, I realised its profound impact; while I may not have changed his life, it certainly altered mine, reinforcing the purpose behind our artistic pursuits in seeking truth and connection in the world.

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Mert Berdilek

Mert Berdilek is a Melbourne-based Australian-Turkish photographer and filmmaker. Mert’s work focuses on CaLD artists returning to their roots for artistic exploration of core themes experienced by many migrant children living in the diaspora.

Mert’s two major projects in 2024 address the same concept of ‘reverse migration’ in two different media: 1/ Tersine Göç (‘Reverse migration’ in Turkish) is a documentary portrait photography project shot from West to East Turkey, and 2/ Geride Kalanlar (‘The remains’ in Turkish) is a debut feature film project entering production in December 2024 during winter in Eastern Turkey.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary
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Max Mason-Hubers

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