The Turkish Photojournalists Association (TFMD) announced the results of its 2016 photo contest on Monday. A total of 4,155 photos participated in the contest that was held for the 31st time, in which 30 photos and eight photo series received awards.
Bülent Kılıç from Agence France Presse (AFP) received the best photo interview award with his pictures showing the flight of Syrian refugees from border town of Tel Abyad to Turkey's Akçakale
The jury included famous professionals such as world renowned Reuters photo-reporter Kai Pfaffenbach, awarded Swedish photographer Paul Hansen, Israeli professional Heidi Levine, Dutch agency ANP's Turkish photo-editor Pelin Tatlı, and AP Turkey Photo Editor Lefteris Pitarakis.
Emin Özmen from Agence Le Journal placed second in the photo interview category for his work focusing on the journey of refugees from Turkey up to Germany.
Additionally, İz Tv Editor-in-chief and documentary producer Coşkun Aral, Pulitzer-awarded Murad Sezer, Ahmet Sel from Anadolu Agency, Milliyet newspaper Photo Editor Bünyamin Aygün, Sabah newspaper Photo Editor Kutup Dalgakıran, Habertürk newspaper columnist Atilla Türker, Fanatik newspaper photo-reporter Yaşar Saygı, Hürriyet newspaper photo-reporter Süleyman Arat, Turkey Sports Journalists Association (TSYD) Antalya branch chief Emin Demir ve TFMD head Rıza Özel assessed the pictures as this year's jury.
"Jury Special Award" was given to Anadolu Agency's (AA) Onur Çoban for his photo interview on Ahmet Öztel and his 10-year old rooster and best companion "Behlül."
The heart breaking photo of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi washed ashore was captured by Doğan News Agency (DHA) reporter Nilüfer Demir, which helped change the perception of the ongoing refugee crisis in the world. The photo was chosen as the best press photo and news photo of the year. The photo was picked as one of TIME magazine's top 100 photos of 2015 in December.
Reuters photo-journalist Tümay Berkin was awarded the second best photo with a shot showing the aftermath of deadly the Ankara blast, which killed 102 people.
Teacher İzzettin Çevik, who lost his daughter and sister in the blast, is seen hugging his wife right after the blast.
