Meet Mustafa Kara Ali

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mustafa Kara Ali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mustafa below.

Hi Mustafa, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

Developing my ability to take risks as a photographer has resulted from years of working in challenging environments and dealing with daily dangers. With each new experience, I learned something new. Initially, I felt fear of the unknown, but over time, I became more aware of how to manage that fear and turn it into vigilance that helps me make the right decisions.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Mustafa Kara Ali, and I am a photojournalist with over eight years of experience documenting some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. My work focuses on shedding light on the human cost of war and capturing the resilience and courage of those affected. Throughout my career, my photographs have been published in major media outlets worldwide, amplifying the voices of the unheard and sparking meaningful conversations about the realities of conflict.

I am expanding my efforts to combine photography with education and advocacy. I serve as the ambassador for Middle East Programs at the Global Education Connection organization, where I work to create awareness about the challenges faced by displaced and war-affected communities. This role allows me to bring my experiences to broader educational and humanitarian initiatives.

Since the liberation of Syria, I have been working on a new project: a series of short documentary films focusing on the diverse communities within Syria, including various sects and ethnic groups. This initiative aims to shed light on these communities amidst the transformation in the country’s governance system. By conducting interviews and highlighting their stories, I strive to better understand their experiences and perspectives during this pivotal time.

In addition to my photojournalism work, I manage Kids Rainbow, an organization dedicated to supporting children through creative and educational programs. Through this initiative, we aim to provide resources, workshops, and opportunities that empower young individuals and help them thrive despite challenging circumstances. Our current focus is on expanding these programs to reach more children and families in need.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Empathy and Connection
Empathy has been at the core of my work as a photojournalist. Understanding and respecting the experiences of those I document allows me to portray their stories with authenticity and sensitivity. For those early in their journey, I recommend immersing yourself in diverse perspectives, practising active listening, and striving to build genuine connections with people from all walks of life.

Adaptability
Working in conflict zones and diverse cultural contexts has taught me the importance of adaptability. Situations can change quickly, and being able to adjust without losing focus is critical. To develop adaptability, embrace new challenges, learn from setbacks, and remain open to different ways of thinking and doing.

Storytelling
The ability to tell compelling stories—whether through photography, writing, or other mediums—has amplified the impact of my work. Storytelling goes beyond technique; it requires understanding the narrative and the emotions behind it. For those starting, I suggest practising your craft consistently, studying great storytellers, and seeking feedback to refine your skills.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

In my career as a war photographer, there was one person who left an indelible mark and significantly shaped my professional character; my friend and mentor, James Foley. James was not just a colleague or another journalist; he was a symbol of courage and humanity in the darkest of times, a voice for truth in the face of injustice.

James believed in our revolution, but he didn’t see it merely as a fight for freedom. To him, it was a battle for justice and human dignity. He always believed that the camera was not just a tool for capturing images but a means to reveal the truth and give a voice to those who had none. He showed me how the lens could be a weapon more powerful than anything else and how photographs could tell stories that words could never fully express.

When I first met James, I was a young photographer full of ambition but also fear. I lacked the confidence and ability to face the harrowing scenes of war, but he was always there to guide me. Thanks to his mentorship, I learned to be brave and to take on the responsibility of telling the truth, no matter the circumstances. He always told me, “Don’t fear the danger if the goal is worth it. The truth is always worth it.”

James was a role model for humanity. He wasn’t just a photographer documenting war; he was a person who deeply cared about the people he encountered. He would talk to victims, listen to their stories, and try to understand their suffering. He taught me to treat every person I photograph as a human being first, not just as a subject. He always said, “Respect is the first step to capturing a true story.”

Tragically, we lost James at the hands of ISIS in an event that still pains us all. Yet, even in his absence, his legacy continues to inspire me. His courageous spirit and wise words remain my guide every time I lift my camera. He made me a war photographer in every sense of the word—not just in terms of technical skills but also in understanding the profound role of journalism in highlighting injustice and creating positive change.

Today, in every piece of work I do, I feel James with me. I carry his story in my heart and strive to be worthy of the legacy he left behind. I owe James so much, not just in my professional journey but in my life as a whole. He was more than a friend and mentor; he was a part of our struggle for dignity and freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mustafakarali.com
• Instagram: mustafakarali1

Image Credits

These photos were taken in various locations in Syria and Turkey, during the war in Syria and the earthquake in southern Turkey, to document the suffering of people and highlight the humanitarian tragedies caused by these events.