Leaf – Flame – Ash – Soil –?
Yusuf Orhan, DFA
Leaf - Flame - Ash – Soil - ? : Unveiling Marmaris's Post-Fire Landscape is an innovative and long-term project dedicated to documenting and understanding landscape changes in southern Turkey following forest fires. The project embarks on a journey of discovery, questioning what awaits the disaster zone in the aftermath of the devastation caused by wildfires and seeking answers through rigorous observation and collaboration, with the Marmaris district of Muğla as the study site, as it is one of the most affected areas by fire.
In the summer of 2021, Marmaris, located in southwestern Turkey, witnessed devastating wildfires that affected both its natural riches and the communities living there. These fires not only burned hundreds of hectares of land but also raised urgent questions about the future of this ecologically rich region. The region is threatened by urbanization due to its potential in the tourism sector and high land values. In recent years, the region has also seen an increase in profit-oriented economic activities such as power plants and mines. The project therefore focuses on documenting and transparently sharing with the public how the post-disaster process is managed. A series of meticulously planned photographic observations will create a comprehensive visual narrative of the traces of destruction and how the process is managed.