Conscience

Ayşe Paşalı was a woman who endured the most severe forms of violence throughout her marriage. In 2009, she was brutally beaten and raped by her husband, İstikbal Yetkin. However, the perpetrator was released pending trial without being detained. When a reporter captured Ayşe Paşalı’s photo in the courthouse hallway and it was published in the media, the look of helplessness on her face sparked widespread public outrage. Despite repeatedly requesting protection, her pleas were never taken seriously. Tragically, in 2010, she was stabbed to death by her ex-husband. I still remember the chills and the fury I felt the first time I saw that photo. I dedicate this work of mine, titled “Conscience,” to all women who have suffered violence, rape, and murder, especially to Ayşe Paşalı. The pain they endured exposes a truth that we, as a society, must confront. (Yaşayan Kadınlar Fotoğraf Gösterisi, İstanbul, 2015.)