James Baldwin’s transformative years in Türkiye celebrated in New York

The Brooklyn Public Library is hosting a landmark exhibition titled “Türkiye Saved My Life: Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961–1971.”

• This exhibit, open until March 15, 2025, offers an unprecedented look at a pivotal decade in the life of James Baldwin, one of America’s most iconic writers.

• Curated by Ates Gundogdu, the event features rare and intimate photographs by Sedat Pakay, a Turkish photographer and close friend of Baldwin.

The exhibition marks the centennial of Baldwin’s birth, focusing on the years he spent in Istanbul—a period that Baldwin often described as life-saving. Through Pakay’s evocative images, visitors can explore the profound impact Türkiye had on Baldwin’s personal and professional growth.

James Baldwin’s journey to Istanbul: Escaping racism, marginalization in America

In the 1960s, Baldwin left the United States to escape systemic racism, homophobia, and the pressures of fame.

After a turbulent stay in France, he found solace in Istanbul, where his friend, Turkish actor Engin Cezzar, welcomed him. Baldwin often walked the vibrant streets of the city, from bustling markets to serene temples, immersing himself in the unique cultural blend of East and West.

“Türkiye saved my life!” Baldwin famously declared. In Istanbul, he discovered the privacy and peace that eluded him elsewhere. This clarity allowed him to create some of his most celebrated works, including The Fire Next Time and Another Country.

The Brooklyn exhibition demonstrates Baldwin’s connection to Türkiye, a country where he felt respected and free. Turkish newspapers covered his arrival, reflecting the recognition he received even outside his home country.

Sedat Pakay’s photography documents James Baldwin’s Istanbul years

The exhibit showcases Pakay’s extraordinary photography, which captures Baldwin in candid moments, whether enjoying the company of friends or finding solitude to reflect and write.

Sedat Pakay’s lens provides a unique glimpse into James Baldwin’s time in Türkiye, revealing the writer’s resilience and creative resurgence during a critical chapter of his life.

Pakay, who studied under the legendary photographer Walker Evans, spent years documenting Baldwin and other notable figures. His work has been exhibited globally, and his short film, James Baldwin: From Another Place, remains a valuable record of Baldwin’s reflections on life and art.

Baldwin’s time in Istanbul and his enduring legacy

James Baldwin’s decade in Türkiye was not only a period of renewal but also one of profound creative output. In addition to writing, he observed and engaged with Turkish society, offering rare insights into the complexities of the nation during the 1960s.

The Brooklyn Public Library exhibition is accompanied by public programs, including panel discussions, film screenings, and readings, all designed to deepen understanding of Baldwin’s connection to Türkiye and his contributions to civil rights and literature.

Celebrating James Baldwin’s life and Türkiye’s influence

The exhibit is part of a broader revival of interest in Baldwin’s legacy, coinciding with the centennial of his birth.

It follows notable events like the 2022 Istanbul Calling initiative by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and Christie’s auction house, which featured a portrait of Baldwin by Beauford Delaney. Proceeds from that sale supported artistic and social initiatives in Türkiye, further cementing Baldwin’s connection to the country.

Linda E. Johnson, president of the Brooklyn Public Library, emphasized Baldwin’s relevance today: “Baldwin’s work continues to resonate as powerfully today as it did during his lifetime, and we are honored to celebrate his legacy and vision of justice.”

This exhibition invites visitors to explore James Baldwin’s transformative years in Türkiye and the lasting influence of those experiences on his life and writing. It serves as a reminder of James Baldwin’s enduring impact and the timeless nature of his quest for justice and understanding.