Haydar Reis, one of our seafarer painters, was known as Galatalı. He is among the 16th-century poets, painters, and sailors. Nigari has a distinct reputation with its pen name. The artist has written his name in the history of art as a famous Turkish man in the country and abroad. His grandfather was famous for the game of chess under the name Abdülkadir. Since he was a famous chess master in the chess game of his era, he wrote a treatise on this subject.

Haydar Reis developed a different style in miniature art in the 16th century. In the West, he is known as Haydar Bey, the Painter of the Turkish School, as well as Haydar Bey, the Painter of Süleyman the Magnificent. Especially during the period of Hızır Hayrettin (Barbaros) Pasha, who served as Captain-Derya, he was the first Turkish sailor painter to paint his portrait, which helped Haydar Reis gain a distinct reputation.

Sultan II. Selim heard about Haydar Reis' reputation in maritime during his prince hood. He also understood that he would be among the famous artists of the period in miniature, gilding, and calligraphy arts. Together, he learned that he was a good portrait painter and poet and took it with him. Later, when he was enthroned, he had Haydar Reis built his miniature. This portrait has become quite famous over time and the original is located in Paris today.

Haydar Reis wrote some of his naval battles as mesnevi. He is also successful in writing, but his main area of ​​expertise has been in painting. The effects of the period are frequently encountered in the works he paints. Although his strongest aspect is his portraiture, he has also been very successful in marine painting. Haydar Reis, one of the first names that come to mind when it comes to marine painters, has extremely important and valuable works.

The artist and seaman pioneered the painting of the sea in the Ottoman period. At that time, he became one of the leading names, especially in the art of painting. It has become a name ahead of its time with the techniques it uses. So much so that the painting technique he uses is similar to the techniques used today. Haydar Reis, a famous sailor, and painter died in Istanbul. There is no definite information about his date of death. Although he does not put his signature on his paintings, the paintings known to be his own are exhibited in various museums such as Topkapı Palace.