We’ve successfully completed the 11th edition of İstanbul Photo Awards. Look- ing back, the journey we’ve taken is truly impressive. It all started in 2015... Since then, participation in the contest has grown significantly. Numerous experienced and well-known photojournalists have had the chance to show- case their work again. Others, encouraged by the recognition they received here, moved forward confidently in their careers. 
Many photographers documented dramatic developments under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances, ensuring that the moments they captured became part of our collective memory. Through these images, they stood against war, oppression, and injustice — often risking their lives in the process. 
This year’s Photo of the Year went to Palestinian photojournalist Saeed Jaras for his powerful image from Gaza, taken during Israeli airstrikes. The photo- graph portrays a mother`s unbearable grief and a father`s silent despair after losing their children to Israel’s attacks, serving as a lasting symbol of the devastating consequences of war and occupation. 
Together with my fellow jury members that I am honored to work with — Ami Vitale, Goran Tomasevic, Yuri Kozyrev, Michel Scotto, Carol Guzy, Cameron Spencer, and Fırat Yurdakul — we used our years of experience in journalism and photography to carefully evaluate every submission. We examined each detail with great care, held serious discussions, and kept our standards high. Only the most deserving images received our votes. The judging process was demanding, but also incredibly rewarding and insightful. 
Each year, İstanbul Photo Awards begins a new journey — making a meaning- ful contribution to the world of news photography. Everyone involved is deeply aware of this responsibility and committed to ensuring the contest’s continued success and credibility.