Vanished in Custody

• Prize
  Gold in Press/Political
• Photographer
  Esra Belgin, Germany
• Date of Photograph
  2024 - 2025
• Website
  http://esrabelgin.com
• Instagram
  @mnemosynea

Since 1995, Istanbul’s Galatasaray Square has been the site of a quiet but persistent act of protest. Every Saturday, families of Turkey’s forcibly disappeared, gather to demand accountability for their missing loved ones. Known as the "Saturday Mothers", they hold photographs and carnations, symbols of loss and hope, in a weekly call for truth and justice. This series documents the enduring presence of those who refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten. It seeks to capture the pain etched into their faces—a testament to memory and resistance, even when justice remains elusive.

With more than three decades of experience, Esra Belgin works primarily in documentary photography, street photography, and photojournalism. Her approach is rooted in observation and authenticity, concentrating on candid moments that reflect social realities and everyday life. Her photographs have been recognized with several awards in national and international competitions.

Awards PX3 State of the World selection 2024
PX3 Gold in Architecture - Other 2025
PX3 Gold in Press - Political 2025
PX3 Honorable Mention in People - Character 2025
PX3 Shortlisted in State of the World 2025
TIFA Silver in Architecture - Historic 2025
TIFA Honorable Mention in People- Children 2025
TIFA Honorable Mention in Editorial - Political 2025
World Street Photography - Finalist - 2025
Street Photography France - Editor's Pick in Passages - 2026