Building on a legacy of connecting people through cultural exchanges, Qatar Museums officially launched Qatar Turkey 2015 during a VIP reception held at the Museum of Islamic Art on Tuesday evening.
Attendees and speakers included the Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, the Turkish Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Professor Ahmet Haluk Dursun, Qatari Ambassador to Turkey Salem al-Shafi, and Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok.
Held under the patronage of Qatar Museums’ chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture will be the fourth consecutive Year of Culture, following Qatar Japan 2012, Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Brazil 2014.
It will celebrate the relations between Qatar and Turkey through cultural partnerships between Qatari and Turkish organisations, institutions and individuals.
An ensemble of traditional Turkish instruments set the mood for the launch event. The delicate notes of the Turkish Tambur, Ney and violin delightfully echoed around the museum, captivating guests and bringing the sounds of Turkey to the heart of Doha.
Reflecting on the Years of Culture in general and Qatar Turkey 2015 in particular, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said culture and art support the realisation of the National Vision.
“I’m excited and proud to celebrate the strong artistic heritage and links between Qatar and Turkey this year. Doing so will promote mutual understanding and strengthen our existing ties. It will also support and inspire the next generation of cultural audiences and ideas. I look forward to what promises to be an incredible year.”
HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari said: “We look forward to this Year of Culture based on the success of previous years that will feature cultural events between the Qatari and Turkish people. This platform of communication opens many doors in the cultural, sports and business arenas, which will in turn open up long-term relationships between institutions and individuals in both countries.”
Professor Dursun described Doha as the glittering pearl of the Gulf, with which Turkey has been enjoying friendly relations for 500 years.
Qatar Turkey Year of Culture events will be grouped under four main categories: Art & Culture, Community & Education, Sport and Business and Trade.
Ambassador al-Shafi observed that the relations between Qatar and Turkey are historically founded on brotherhood, mutual understanding and respect, based on the great legacy of shared history and civilisation between the two peoples.
“We hope that the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture will highlight that the strategic nature of cultural activities between the two nations is not limited to a specific time frame, but has a continuous legacy that will feed into the framework of strategic co-operation between the two countries.”
Cultural Diplomacy Project manager Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya said that Turkish Qatari relations were currently witnessing considerable growth and development and both countries enjoy a high degree of harmony and a well-established friendship.
“Our goal behind organising the Years of Culture is paving the way for cultural exchange though world-class art exhibitions, individual artists programmes, concerts, cultural festivals and educational workshops.”
“ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Museums share a long-term relationship based on mutual respect and understanding and we are proud to provide our support for yet another of its important initiatives,” said Alistair Routledge, president and general manager, ExxonMobil Qatar.
“Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture will fundamentally lead to a deeper international understanding of Qatar and its rich culture, while highlighting it as a world-class centre for business and cultural activities.  This is something ExxonMobil fully supports as a committed partner in Qatar.”



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