Osman Okkan's documentary “Ara Güler - An Istanbul Legend” on prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist and photographer Ara Güler debuted on March 13 during a press screening at the French Cultural Center in Istanbul, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

Addressing press members, Güler said he had made the hardest decision by choosing journalism.

“People object when I say photography is not an art. They also object to me saying I am not a photography artist. Anyone can push the button of a camera. Everybody takes photos with phones, which destroys photography,” he said.

Among the attendees was writer Doğan Hızlan, who stressed the importance of documentaries in terms of explaining a person’s life and success to another generation.

Hailing Güler for the best photos of Istanbul, Hızlan said, “He has photographed all of Istanbul, but how? He has captured the poor neighborhoods, the side streets of Istanbul, the hidden spots.”

Journalist Coşkun Aral said “Ara Güler is our master,” adding that he was making a documentary on Güler too. “It will be ready in a year, unveiling many things that no one knows of to date.”