Murat Harmanlikli

Born in İzmit, Turkey, Murat Harmanlikli is a street and portrait photographer deeply inspired by human presence, literature, and the layered narratives of urban life. He holds a degree in Economics from Marmara University. His journey into photography began in 1996, but it wasn’t until 2007—after a hiatus due to his master’s studies and professional life—that he fully immersed himself in the craft, developing and printing his own black-and-white photographs in his personal darkroom. Since 2016, he has continued his photographic work with digital cameras, maintaining a focus on the poetic rhythm of the streets and the emotional depth of human expression.

His work is rooted in quiet observation, empathy, and storytelling. He is heavily influenced by literature, believing that the inner worlds of fictional characters and the visual atmospheres of novels are just as powerful—if not more so—than photographs in shaping imagination and reflecting one’s personal vision. As a modern-day flâneur, he sees the act of walking through crowds not only as a way of connecting with the city but also as a path to endless photographic discovery.

His work has received recognition through various international awards and features, including honors from LensCulture, The Independent Photographer, Life Framer, IPA, All About Photo, Eyeshot Magazine, etc.

Currently, he is working on a long-term book project titled “Istanbul, in the Flux of an All-Embracing Moment,” a visual exploration of the city's fragmented yet deeply intertwined human stories.