A Photographer From Ankara: Osman Darcan

• Main Author: Gülseren Mungan Yavuztürk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Koc University, Vehbi Koc Ankara Studies Research Center (VEKAM) 2015-12-01
• Series: Ankara Araştırmaları Dergisi
• Subjects: Ankara; History of photography; Photography studios; Osman Darcan; Othmar Pferschy
• Online Access: http://www.journalagent.com/jas/pdfs/JAS_3_2_220_227.pdf

This work introduces Osman Darcan, an important name in the history of Ankara photography studios. Darcan followed in the footsteps of famous Austrian photographer Othmar Pferschy, whom he met in Istanbul, to go on to create his own valuable work. On leaving the Public Press Authority Photo Film Center, where he worked as a newsreel photographer and film operator, in 1943 he began taking photographs at the Tatbikat Theater at the Ankara State Conservatoire, where he continued as the photographer for the State Theater until the end of his life. At the same time, this master photographer took the pictures of a select coterie of Ankara’s leading individuals and well-known performers at a studio he opened on Anafartalar Caddesi. In both these roles, his photographs evoke admiration thanks to Darcan’s professional abilities and level of artistry.