Renowned photographer Mehmet Gazioğlu, who incorporates life's surreal elements in his work, is attending the ongoing International Old House - New Art Plastic Arts Symposium in Urla, İzmir, as a guest artist.

The sixth edition of the event opened on Oct. 1 and will continue until Oct. 8.

Gazioğlu is known for his work on Istanbul's centuries-old districts and now he has turned his attention to Anatolia, Mardin and Cappadocia - homes to even older civilizations.

Through his photography projects, Gazioğlu focuses on social responsibility and one of his main reasons for joining the symposium was to help protect historical architecture from demolition while promoting contemporary art across the country.

The money raised by selling at at the symposium will be used to renovate old Greek houses in Urla's old town.

The event welcomes 20 Turkish and European artists from different disciplines, including painting, photography and sculpture.

Gazioğlu is contributing to the event by donating two of his pieces.

The symposium will also organize discussions, workshops and mini-workshops for children.