Turkish Baker Climbs to Global Glory with Huawei XMAGE Awards Second Place Finish

Tokat’s Mehmet Emin Coruş, a renowned artisanal baker turned mobile photography enthusiast, has achieved unprecedented success in the realm of visual arts. The Huawei XMAGE Mobile Photography Awards 2025, one of the most prestigious accolades in the field of smartphone photography, saw Coruş clinch second place on the global stage this November.

The awards ceremony, held at Paris’ iconic Grand Palais, featured a dazzling celebration attended by leading industry figures from around the world. With entries pouring in from over 170 countries, each representing thousands of works of art, the competition was exceptionally fierce. Yet, Coruş managed to rise above the fray with his captivating image captured on a Huawei device.

The photo in question captures an intimate moment of a shepherdess and her lamb navigating through harsh winter conditions. Coruş’s lens focuses on a woman tenderly guiding her newborn lamb into a cozy barn while its mother looks on protectively, symbolizing the enduring bond between humans, animals, and nature. The jury praised Coruş for his ability to convey such deep emotional resonance in a single frame.

Coruş’s journey from an artisanal baker to a celebrated photographer is nothing short of inspiring. His odyssey began when he received a Huawei smartphone as a gift while running his bakery in Tokat, Turkey. Since then, Coruş has consistently impressed the photography community with his unique perspective and technical prowess.

Building on previous accolades from 2021 and 2022, where he won the national title at the Huawei XMAGE Awards, this year’s global second place solidifies Coruş’s position as a leading figure in mobile photography. Despite being unable to attend the ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, Coruş delivered an emotional speech via video message.

“When I was kneading dough or wandering through my village,” he reminisced fondly, “I would often dream about capturing life’s beauty with a camera. Today, those dreams have expanded beyond the confines of my bakery to touch hearts around the world thanks to Huawei’s innovative technology.” He further expressed that this award is not just for him but for all who dare to create using their passion and creativity.

While Turkey has made impressive strides in mobile photography, Coruş’s achievement at such a global event underscores the growing influence of emerging talent across different corners of the world. As Huawei continues to push boundaries with its cutting-edge smartphone cameras, it is clear that the future of mobile photography lies in democratizing access and empowering individuals like Mehmet Emin Coruş.