Amar Kılıç and Serbest Salih are two photographer friends whose paths crossed in Mardin. Trained in photography, Amar worked with alternative techniques over the years, tracing different cultures and reflecting them in his work. Serbest, meanwhile, was born in Aleppo and came to Türkiye after the war, where he began working in photography. Amar and Serbest worked together on a project before establishing Fotohane Darkroom in 2024, aiming to introduce more children to art.

Fotohane Darkroom offers children the opportunity to explore analog photography in an immersive learning environment that goes beyond technical instruction. Each lasting two months and made possible through volunteer contributions, Fotohane Darkroom’s workshop programs give children the opportunity to experience every step of creating their own works. They move from the technical fundamentals of photography all the way to printing their own photographs in the darkroom. The workshops also teach children about gender equality, children’s rights, and how people from different cultural backgrounds can live in peace. The multicultural demographics of Mardin bring children of different ethnic backgrounds together in the workshops, which promote a safe environment for self-expression and help reduce bullying among peers.

Amar and Serbest do not limit their efforts to Mardin. Through collaborations in Türkiye and abroad, they exhibit photographs taken by the children. The team adopts an approach that respects children’s rights during exhibitions and other events and adopts a participatory and ethical framework throughout the production and publication processes. An individual portfolio is kept for each child, containing their work in case they eventually pursue photography as a profession.

Fotohane Darkroom has reached over 200 children so far and continues working to help raise children who understand art and know their rights. Amar Kılıç and Serbest Salih continue to make a difference in the lives of children by creating a safe space for self-expression through analog photography at Fotohane Darkroom.