Turkey Saved My Life - Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961–1971
December 12, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Central Library, Grand Lobby
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Brooklyn, NY — As the world commemorates the centennial of James Baldwin’s birth, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) presents Turkey Saved My Life - Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961–1971, a landmark exhibition featuring rare photographs by Turkish photographer Sedat Pakay. Opening December 12, 2024, in the Grand Lobby of the Central Library, this exhibition offers an unprecedented glimpse into Baldwin’s transformative years in Istanbul.
Co-curated by Atesh M. Gundogdu as part of the BPL Presents series, the exhibition celebrates a pivotal yet understudied chapter in Baldwin’s life. From 1961 to 1971, Baldwin lived in Istanbul, seeking refuge from the entrenched racism and homophobia he experienced in America. It was in Turkey that Baldwin found the clarity and creative space to craft some of his most celebrated works, including The Fire Next Time and Another Country.
“Turkey Saved My Life provides insight into how Baldwin shaped both his writing and his unflinching commitment to civil rights.” said Linda E. Johnson, BPL President and CEO. "James 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."
“Turkey saved my life!” Baldwin famously declared, and Pakay’s never-before-seen photographs vividly document this crucial period of artistic and personal renewal. Through Pakay’s lens, visitors will encounter Baldwin’s close circle of friends, his observations of Turkish society, and the moments of quiet solitude that fueled his fearless writing.
Supported by the Mellon Foundation, this exhibition not only sheds light on Baldwin’s time in Turkey but also underscores his enduring relevance as a voice of resistance, liberation, and love.
The exhibition will be accompanied by public programs, including panel discussions, film screenings, and readings that further explore Baldwin’s enduring legacy and his unique connection to Turkey. Details to be announced soon.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.