We met with Feridun Düzağaç just before his trip to Anatolia and talked about many things. Long and short trips to Anatolia, photographs taken and not taken, places where he lived and where he would like to live, etc…

Another trip is due to start. Are there any places that you would like to visit in particular?

Van, Erzurum and Erzincan.
I never forget an album signing day in Erzincan. I have never come across so many polite, respectful and elegant young men in my life. I was very impressed. I had the same experience in Van. I have been there several times and would like to go again. My concert in Erzurum is also among those that I can never forget.

Besides the concerts, where else have you been for leisure?

I have been to Fatsa, Trabzon and Maçka. I only took photos. I am waiting for September to visit Rize and Butterfly Valley. Then Mardin is next on the agenda. I think it was the photographs that drew me to the road.

What kind of photos do you take?

I would have liked to have taken portraits; however, our people are not accustomed to it. Then I turned to nature, landscapes, historical monuments and clouds, instead. Photography is a very nice excuse for living through the times. Taking photographs is something that brings feelings of joy and happiness. When you look back at the photos you have taken, you live the same happy moments again, and those moments double in value.

How about your equipment?

I am using a Canon EOS – 1D camera. I want to buy a Mark III though. I also have a semi-professional German made tripod and three separate lenses.

Do you take color photos or black and white?

Color…

How did this hobby start?
My friend İlkay Muratoğlu, who is a commercial photographer, encouraged me.  Photography has added meaning to my life this past year. For example, we were in Eskişehir for a concert, and Hayko Cepkin was on stage. I photographed those whom I liked the style and music of while they were on stage, and then I thought it would be rather nice if I photographed the very same province, and correlated between the two. Photography has brought me peace and lessened the stress in my life. At the same time, it is fun; it’s almost like taking a break from everything. I have also been to Istranca and Şile, and I work in İstanbul at nights. When everyone leaves the streets, I photograph the skyscrapers.

Is there a possibility that you might come across a photography project?

I am planning a project for Bozcaada. But only for myself! Something along the lines of ‘Bozcaada: 10 years ago and 10 years later.’ I want to show the world, through my photographs, how such a place has changed throughout all the years I have known it. Bozcaada used to be very different, especially its air and water Recently, it has gone through many changes, as if became a very popular and populated place.

Are you looking for another Bozcaada?

I don’t dream about a secluded life, but I am in love with the Northern Aegean region. I am looking for a place in Asos or the Kaz Mountains.

Have you lived in Yeniköy for the last four years? What is life like there?

It is just like Adana of my childhood. A quiet and a specific way of living with close and sincere relationships among neighbors. Yeniköy is definitely a different place. I spend most of my time in the district. I write, read, draw and listen too. There are ferry boats to Beykoz, so when I get bored, I jump on a ferry and go across.

This should be the serenity experienced at 42 years of age!

As a matter of fact, it is too early to talk about a secluded life, but being an introverted grown up kid, I feel tired inside. There is no longer a hustle and bustle in my life. I am now a calmer and more understanding person.

How about anxiety? Do you let your daughter go through school, courses, and those torturous exams, for example?

Of course, I do. Exams, exams, exams. I would not wish for such a system. However, my daughter will also take courses on the subjects she does not feel that she is well prepared for and she will take exams, like other children.

What was your worst subject?

None. I left high school with a degree. No one could believe that I could not enter any of the universities. In fact there was small scale indignation. The following year, although I wanted to come to İstanbul very much, I was accepted to a school in Adana, which was my only option. I was educated on a subject that I would not even dream of, business administration. I graduated and never remembered a thing. The only thing I can remember is that in one of the theories, it said, “Humans die in the long run.” That is all I remember. For that reason, I always recommend to young people to choose a subject related to their future profession.

Isn’t your way better? I mean, choosing a profession that is your hobby?

This is a wonderful life, but when a hobby becomes your profession, it makes you feel like a kid who lost one of his favorite toys.

We almost forgot... Instead of turning inward once again, you were going to make an album on world problems. What happened?

This album was really out of control. I described a situation that I had experienced. No editing, all real. It ended up being an album like a diary.