Knowing the sea takes more than knowing a map. It means understanding local conditions, observing the underwater landscape over time and recognising that every diver arrives with different expectations.
Sırrı Özşen, widely known as Sırrı Hoca, has long been connected with diving in Çandarlı. Historical news reports and accounts by visiting divers describe his knowledge of the local underwater environment.
A 2013 report records his descriptions of Kız Kulesi, Kara Ada, two underwater banks and Maltepe Burnu. These names provide the historical foundation for our Çandarlı dive-site guide.
The centre's story can also be explored through its underwater atlas and the documented connections between local diving and photography. These accounts distinguish historical evidence from current programmes.
A documented invitation to underwater photographers
In July 2019, SUFOD published an invitation from Sırrı Özşen, manager of Derin Diving Center, outlining an idea to collect underwater images for local promotional, exhibition and book projects. The 2013 interview with photographer Bülent Şelli also records an appreciation of Özşen's local knowledge. These are historical sources, not claims of a currently active programme. More on underwater art and community.