Hypnotic Short Film 'Takrar' Celebrates Istanbul's Ancient Artistry

Filmmaker Waref Abu Quba has created 'Takrar', a hypnotic short film composed of approximately 2,900 photographs taken over two years in Istanbul and its surroundings. The film, whose title means 'repetition' in Arabic, features a soundtrack by Alex Story performed by percussionist Robbe Kieckens. It showcases decorative details—ornaments, pediments, sculptures, frescoes, bas-reliefs—from Ottoman, Byzantine, Greek, and Islamic art across Istanbul's historic buildings, palaces, and sacred sites. Abu Quba first visited Istanbul in 2021 and was captivated by its timeless beauty, leading him to capture the city through his lens. He edited and animated the photos into about 270 video scenes, describing the creation process as a joy with unexpected surprises. The filmmaker calls 'Takrar' an experimental film that pays homage to ancient craftsmanship and hopes viewers enjoy watching it as much as he enjoyed making it.