Gallery · From the Azmak
Traces of water,
tables and evenings.
Olta’s photo journal, from daylight to dinner after dark.
16 photos · A different rhythm in every frameAll photos: 16 photos shown.
The first light on the river.
As the sun rises behind the opposite bank, a thin mist settles over the Azmak; for a moment, the surface turns gold.
Evening comes to the table.
Under a deep blue sky, meze arrive at the table; bougainvillea petals rest on the cloth and the terrace lights glow along the river.
The clear language of water.
At night, the terrace lights fall on the water; right beside Olta, the Azmak flows so clearly that you can see the plants on the riverbed.
Today’s fish counter.
Sea bass, sea bream, sole and whatever the season brings lie on ice alongside lemons. The choice begins here, before the plate.
Crisp, golden calamari.
Lightly floured and fried rings, with homemade tartar sauce and a slice of lemon. A constant at the meze table.
By the window.
The long table is set and the glasses are in place; just beyond the window are the Azmak and the willows on the opposite bank.
Whole fish over the flame.
Served whole from the grill, with only rocket, red onion and a slice of lemon. The fish tells the rest of the story.
The river’s residents.
At midday, the bank belongs to its familiar residents. The water is clear enough to count the stones below; the geese and ducks are quite at home.
A peaceful setting.
As dinner continues, geese draw close to the terrace; light falls on the water, and the table and river share the same calm.
A leisurely breakfast.
Olives, hummus, roasted peppers, cheese and honey; when the dishes are set out to share, breakfast becomes more than a meal.
Octopus over the embers.
Cooked over the fire until its edges char, the octopus arrives on a wooden board with rocket and an olive oil dressing.
The first tea.
A white tablecloth, a cup of strongly brewed tea and a plate with strawberries alongside. Mornings at Olta are unhurried.
Finish with coffee.
A cup of Turkish coffee on a linen cloth, with a single bougainvillea petal beside it. This is how the meal ends.
Through the gate.
A stone arch, orange ironwork and the sign above: this is the threshold from an Akyaka street into Olta’s courtyard.
A table with bougainvillea.
Pink bougainvillea petals scatter across the white cloth; the plates are in place and the sky has turned to soft evening colours. The riverside table is ready.
Lights along the river.
Lamps along the terrace reflect on the water; the Azmak flows on beside the illuminated bank. At Olta, the evening lingers to the sound of the river.
From the cool water to the care in the kitchen,
a selection from Olta, from sunset to leisurely evening meals.
From photo to table
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