Ayvalık in Pictures: A Lonely Summer During Covid-19

07/01/202105/02/2021 adminaccount

Kerem Karayalçın – Altınova – Comd 357 Multimedia Journalism Fotoğraf Dizisi Projesi

Hello summer lovers! Our last summer was tough because of the coronavirus. Not only it was tough for the people who wanted to take a break and have a vacation but also all the locals, tradesmen, restaurants, and cafés from Altınova, Ayvalık, and Cunda Island. They were dependent on the tourists. Usually, the summer season was the most active time for these three places. However, the 2020 summer was too quiet. My goal is to show you the atmosphere of Altınova, Ayvalık, and Cunda Island and the emotions they possess. Don’t get the wrong idea, just because it was a quiet summer doesn’t mean it is a disaster. Quietness reveals the beauty of these places. All the photos are shot by Gamze Reisoğlu Şamdancı in July 2020. She is my neighbor in Altınova-Profesörler Site and she mentions that all the photos’ shooting style was like “capturing the moment” which means there is no manipulation such as neatly placing the props or asking the locals to pose for the camera.

This is the main door of “Taş Kahve” located on Cunda Island. It is a colorful place with unique coffees. The building is 150 years old and it is one of the most popular cafés on Cunda Island. They are so lucky to have 2 family customers but still, the place looks very empty.
Another shot from “Taş Kahve”. He is an important worker. For a quality coffee, the coffee beans have to be finely beaten and this worker beats the coffee beans with his hands and finally sifts the coffee powder for avoiding big chunks. Even though there are not many customers, the worker’s sweat and determined face is evidence of how hardworking he is. Maybe he is thinking about providing for his family.
This street is known for its sincerity in Cunda Island. One of the most common features on Cunda Island is the locals are fond of decorating the streets. This street does not have a special name but the locals say it as “Nazar Boncuklu Sokak” which is “evil eye bead street”. The blue color is very dominating and gives a unique view. However, only 2 people were here in the street. One of them put his mask on and sitting on the table. The other one watching the emptiness of the place. Shockingly quiet and alone.
Another shot from Ayvalık-Küçükköy. The man only sells handmade baskets. Maybe he is tired of waiting customers and playing with the phone is the only device for spending time.
2 ladies are shopping in a Bazaar located in Altınova. All I see from the background is the tradesmen. Both of the ladies put the masks in a wrong way and they maybe looked confused about the emptiness of the Bazaar. The ladies’ colorful dress called shalwar (şalvar) has great harmony with the atmosphere.
Five ladies are heading to their village. The road is a dirt road where the cars always pass. However, in these times, no cars were passing by so the ladies decided to walk on the road. They finished their groceries and finally it is time to walk starting from Ayvalık Center to Küçükköy where the trees shine beautifully.
This is the classic view you get while you drive your car on Ayvalık’s highway. This is a greengrocer (Manav). She is selling fruits&vegetables and the famous local black mulberry. She put her mask on and waits for customers.
Just a simple street from Ayvalık-Küçükköy. As I mentioned before, the locals are fond of decorating the street. They found a vintage bike and painted the bike with blue and orange dye. Then, decorating with flower-shaped lace and multi-colored knitting wool. Also, the color harmony between the bike and the flower is phenomenal.
This is a street located in Ayvalık-Küçükköy. Ayvalık adores Turkey and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk so Atatürk pictures and red&white themed decorations can be usually seen. There are lots of chairs waiting to be used but it is only available to 1 person and a cat, unfortunately. I think this cat is confused about where humans are. Who will give this cat a treat?