Legendary and renowned Turkish Cypriot photographer, Mustafa Diana (Photo Diana), passed away at the age of 102 on Friday.

Born on August 20, 1922, in Lefkoşa, under his real name Mustafa Mehmet Salih Okay, Mustafa Diana was one of the most prominent names in the world of Turkish Cypriot photography.

Celebrating his 100th birthday in 2022, Mustafa Diana shared his life story with the Turkish News Agency (TAK), recalling his introduction to photography:

“The renowned photographer of that era, Fevzi Akarsu, was my uncle. He was the top photographer among Turkish Cypriots at that time. My brothers chose our father’s profession and joined the police force. My father wanted me to do the same, but I refused, saying, ‘I will be a photographer.’ I started accompanying him, getting accustomed to the craft. Eventually, he agreed and took me under his wing. That’s how I started photography at the age of 14-15.”

One of the pivotal moments in Mustafa Diana’s life was when he adopted the surname “Diana” later on, naming both his photography studio and the beach business in Çatalköy after it.

Encountering Mustafa Salih Okay at Vahan Avedissian’s studio, an Armenian photographer, Diana Samuel, an Israeli woman, took a liking to him due to his striking resemblance to one of her sons whom she lost in a Nazi concentration camp. She wished to take him to Israel.

At the age of 18, Mustafa Salih Okay moved to Israel and began working at Diana Samuel and her husband’s photography studio. Over the course of four years in Israel, he honed and perfected his skills.

Returning to Cyprus four years later, Mustafa Mehmet Salih Okay, continued his close relationship with Diana Samuel, whom he called “mother,” and with their support, he began opening his own photography studios in Cyprus.

Diana was the preferred photographer not only for Turkish Cypriot leaders but also for Greek Cypriot leader Makarios.

He became one of the most renowned photographers, not only among Turkish Cypriots but also among Greek Cypriots.

Mustafa Salih Okay, now known throughout the island as Mustafa Diana or Photo Diana achieved fame and recognition. In 1949, he won an award at the Cyprus Photographers’ Association competition, leaving behind Greek Cypriot, Armenian, and British competitors. He cherished this award for a lifetime.

Adopting new techniques and products in the photography industry, Mustafa Diana gained immense popularity not only among Turks but also among Greeks, Armenians, and British on the island.

Such was the demand for his services that he opened photography studios in various parts of the island.

Mustafa Diana was the preferred photographer not only for Turkish Cypriot leaders but also for Greek Cypriot leader Makarios.

“Dr. Küçük used to call me, ‘Come, Mustafa, take my photo.’ Also, I photographed Mr Denktaş, I took his photos and he had an interest in photography too, I taught him how to take photos. I first recommended a camera to him, then he would come, and we would clean the photos he took together. I spent a lot of time with Denktaş and Dr. Küçük. The late Ecevit came, and Denktaş introduced me to him.

Makarios had a Greek Cypriot photographer, but he would also call me to take his photos. He liked my photos very much. I took a lot of his photos. Even today, most of the photos hanging in Greek Cypriot government offices are mine. I didn’t put my name on them. ‘You won’t put your name,’ he said.”

Mustafa Diana, who passionately pursued his photography career and continued until the very end, used to say that if he were to come into the world again, he would still want to be a photographer.

Diana will be laid to rest tomorrow (June 8, 2024) following the midday prayers at the Lefkoşa Cemetery.