Orhan Aytür

Orhan Aytür (born 1965) is a Turkish professor of optoelectronics and world champion amateur underwater photographer.

Academic career Aytür was born in Ankara. He completed his secondary education at Tarsus American College and TED Ankara College Foundation Private High School, and graduated in 1986 from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He went then to the United States to earn his Master's degree in 1988 and Ph.D. degree in 1991 from Northwestern University.

Aytür worked briefly as a Laser scientist in the industry and later as a research associate at University of New Mexico before he returned home in 1993. He entered Bilkent University in Ankara, and became professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2002 after his assistant professor (1993-1997) and associate professor (1997-2002) years. Aytür took his first underwater photographs in 1999 with an underwater housing lent by a friend for his camera. In 2000, he decided to combine his long–term hobby of photography with underwater diving, and purchased an underwater camera. He soon began entering photography competitions, and was surprised by his success. At his first competition in the 2000 Turkish championships, he won two titles and a second place. He continued his success in later years. In 2007 he also took the first prize of Jorge de Albuquerque Award in the category (Conchology) at the 34th Antibes Underwater Photography Festival in France. Selected to the Turkey national team again in 2008, he participated at the 12th CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship held between 31 May and 5 June 2009 in Jeju Island in South Korea. he became world champion among the competitors from 23 nations winning one gold medal in the category (Wide Angle with Model) and two bronze medals (Fish) and (Close up with Theme). He was named The World's Best Underwater Photographer.