Fotohane Darkroom is a project making a meaningful difference in the lives of children on the Turkish-Syrian border. Through analog photography, these young individuals access new ways to see their world and express themselves creatively.
In an environment where childhood is often overshadowed by hardships and uncertainty, Fotohane Darkroom is making a difference—one photograph at a time.
The project was born from the personal experiences of co-founder Serbest Salih, who grew up in a similar setting where creative outlets were scarce but deeply needed. Together with Amar Kilic, Salih embarked on a mission to “create a safe and creative space for children living in challenging circumstances.”
Fotohane Darkroom offers these children something invaluable: a chance to explore their creativity and express themselves through photography.
Our mission is to offer a creative outlet and foster expression among Syrian, Iraqi, and Turkish Kurdish children through the art of photography.
Serbest Salih – Co-founder of Fotohane Darkroom
Why Analog Photography
In a world dominated by digital technology, the project intentionally focuses on analog photography.
The reason is simple: there’s a special quality to the analog process that resonates with the children. It’s slower, more deliberate, and requires a level of patience that contrasts with the instant results of digital devices.
Co-founder, Salih tells us: “The magic of seeing their images come to life during the development process is a moment of wonder that they don’t easily forget.“
Photo by Helin (14 years old)
Photo by Ciwan (13 years old)
The Workshops
The heart of Fotohane Darkroom lies in its free workshops, where children are introduced to analog photography.
Earlier this year, 2024, Fotohane Darkroom held its first workshop, marking the beginning of a journey to give these children the tools and guidance to tell their own stories.
In these regular workshops, children learn everything from shooting to developing their photos in the darkroom. “This hands-on process allows them to connect deeply with the art form, and the resulting photos are often incredibly powerful, reflecting their unique perspectives.”
Their photos showcase the talent and insight of the young photographers and illustrate the impact of our project.
Serbest Salih – Co-founder of Fotohane Darkroom
“‘In a group without identity, love and friendship take over discrimination.’ In this photo, I wanted to show love and friendship.” Photo by Sara (13 years old) “I wanted to capture photos of my sister Meryem and the view of Mardin.” Photo by Fatma (10 years old) 
“The view of Mardin through my eyes.” Photo by Ines (14 years old) 
“I planned with my sister that she would throw the volleyball into the air, and I would capture the moment.” Photo by Sirin (11 years old) 
“While hanging out with my friend Ines and taking photos, I took this selfie of us.” Photo by Helin (14 years old) 
“My friend.” Photo by Sara (13 years old) 
“This is a photo of my brother Ali.” Photo by Meryem (6 years old)
More Than Just Photos
Fotohane Darkroom goes beyond just teaching children analog photography techniques. It focuses on creating a space for children to explore their creativity while documenting their stories and perspectives.
Through photography, these children find a voice and a creative outlet to process their experiences. By giving these children a platform to express themselves, Fotohane Darkroom helps them build confidence and develop a positive outlook on life, despite the difficulties they endure.
It’s about fostering resilience, hope, and a sense of community among children who have faced unimaginable challenges.
Serbest Salih – Co-founder of Fotohane Darkroom
Photo by Semet (14 years old)
Photo by Helin (14 years old)
How You Can Support Fotohane Darkroom
As Fotohane Darkroom continues to grow, so does the need for support. Their team is in the process of setting up a donation platform on their website, fotohane.org, where supporters can contribute directly to sustaining the workshops and expanding the project’s reach.
In the meantime, donations are being accepted via their Instagram account, @fotohanedarkroom. Every contribution helps provide the children with the resources they need to continue exploring their creativity and telling their stories!
Did you enjoy reading about Fotohane Darkroom? Check out more awesome photography projects by our talented members via the Cherrydeck Blog.
