“This edition is dedicated to Istanbul, Turkey’s (as well as Europe’s) largest city. It’s also the LGBTQ capital of the Moslem world with a vibrant society holding on tightly to their freedom in a political climate that is increasingly conservative. It is because of this dynamism that this was one of the easiest issues yet to find men interested in participating in the Elska project. Despite problems with homophobia, including the recent violent suppression of the annual Pride march, the men here were fearless and proud to be part of this edition.
Inside you’ll meet thirteen local boys, photographed throughout this massive city, on both the Asian and European sides. Some are also shot in their own homes, giving an authentic and personal touch. Additionally, each boy contributed a short story from their life, adding an even more intimate flavour to the Elska experience. You’ll also meet two more guys in our Elska Dehors section. One is a series of self-portraits from Manhattan, New York by luke kurtis where the artist lets his "bad skin” be unhidden. The other is a series of low-fi colour and pink-filtered polaroids from Montréal, Canada by Jonathan Lemieux, who also contributed in our Berlin issue.“
-Elska Magazine