Hisar

65cm x 82cm

Oil on canvas.

2024

While creating this painting, I aimed to capture more than just a fragment of Rumeli Fortress—I sought to weave in the essence of a family's memories and dreams. The stories shared by the collector had a profound impact on me. A family home nestled on the second floor of Rumeli Fortress, perched right along the Bosphorus in Istanbul… A house brimming with laughter as children ran through the garden, accompanied by the melodic echoes of ships passing through the strait. That home was a treasure trove of their most precious memories.

But life took them far away, to America. A new chapter began, yet Istanbul lingered in their hearts like an irreplaceable melody. That fortress, that home, and its unique scents might be hard to rediscover, but the memories remain vivid and alive. This painting emerged as a heartfelt attempt to rekindle that sense of belonging and relive those cherished moments.

As I worked, I imagined myself gazing out of that home's window—watching a ship gliding through the Bosphorus or hearing the laughter of children playing in the garden. All of these emotions found their way onto the canvas, giving life to this piece. Sharing it has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me.