The Photographic Language of Balıkesir: Identity, Memory, and Image

Abstract

Urban identity represents a city's unique characteristics; urban memory represents its past and cultural heritage; and urban image represents how it is perceived from the outside. This study examines the urban identity, urban memory, and urban image of Balıkesir province through photographs, which provide visual data on these aspects, possess high representational capacity, and serve as a factor in developing and reinforcing its tourism potential. Competitions are considered important tools for promoting cities, increasing tourism potential, preserving urban memory, and encouraging social participation. Similarly, photography competitions are seen as
an important promotional element from a tourism perspective, highlighting the unique aspects of a city. In this context, photographs that won awards and were exhibited in the 2023 Balıkesir Photographers Marathon competition, which has a wide selection, have been included in the study and analyzed. The aim of the study is to look at Balıkesir through the lens; to shed light on the visual narrative of its urban identity, memory, and image. As a result of the analysis and interpretations, an integrated perspective on the identity, memory, and image of Balıkesir province is presented, and suggestions are offered for improving the city's image.