The world of county fairs in Turkey is an integral part of Anatolian culture. These are not simple annual events but embody tradition in the truest sense of the word. Turkish photographer Cenk Erdoğan tells us about these realities, delving into the lives of those who work in these contexts rich in local tradition and culture. The project is called It’s Not Fair, and it’s a true nomadic journey, characterized by tents and seasonal migration. In Erdoğan’s images, the sweltering atmosphere of Anatolia seems palpable, inhabited by nomadic families who set up and dismantle tents from one city to another. The subsistence of these people depends on this migratory movement, spending winter months in stable areas where they engage in agriculture, trade, and temporary work to sustain themselves until the next fair season.
What Cenk Erdoğan Reveals
Days are busy with the hard work required by traveling fairs: setting up and dismantling equipment, long journeys to the next fair, and the constant struggle to make ends meet. Cenk Erdoğan also reveals some of the behind-the-scenes of these images: a significant portion of these people’s earnings is swallowed up by fairground owners as rent. Despite these challenges, fair workers persevere, driven by a shared sense of purpose and the desire to preserve their cultural heritage.
The Stories Within It’s Not Fair
Erdoğan’s lens captures both the hardships and the humanity of these individuals, weaving a narrative that transcends mere documentation. Through his photographs, he sheds light on the complexities of their lives: the camaraderie forged amidst adversity, the joy of entertaining crowds, and the pride in keeping the vibrant traditions of Anatolia alive. In It’s Not Fair, Erdoğan not only captures fleeting moments but also preserves a way of life as enduring as it is essential to Anatolian identity. Through his lens, county fair workers are immortalized, their stories told with dignity and respect, ensuring that their legacy continues to resonate for generations to come.
