HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Turkish ambassador Ahmet Demirok and other officials and dignitaries at the opening of the exhibition. PICTURES: Jayan Orma
A month-long photography exhibition, titled Artistic Journeys: New Angles, New Perspectives, is being held in Doha as part of the Qatar-Turkey 2015 Year of Culture.
The exhibition opened on Tuesday and will run until September 30 at Qatar Photographic Society (QPS), Building 18, Katara. It is being hosted in collaboration with the Qatari and Turkish Ministries of Culture, Qatar Photographic Society and See My Culture.
The photography exhibition showcases the best works of Qatari and Turkish photographers Sara al-Obaidly, Saleh al-Marri, Ali Muhammet Bayraktariglu and Hasan Yelken.
“From the magical mosques of Istanbul and the pseudo-moonscapes of Cappadocia to the vibrant cityscapes of Doha and the shifting sands of the Qatari desert, four photographers from two different nations documented their journeys as moments captured in time; engaging in an inspiring exchange of artistic discovery and cultural dialogue. Their aim was to capture real people in their natural environments,” according to a statement.
In collaboration with QPS, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and See My Culture, and sponsored by Exxonmobil, Qatar Airways and W Doha, Qatar Turkey 2015 sent two Qatari photographers on a two-week expedition across Turkey to photograph its landscapes, people, food, culture and tourist attractions. The aim was to capture the essence of Turkey through Qatari eyes.
Two Turkish photographers were also invited to undertake a journey across the Arabian Peninsula to experience Qatar through Turkish eyes. “The results were spectacular and this exhibition showcases the best photographs taken during both trips,” the statement notes.
This is the second year for this exhibition, which embodies the core values of cultural exchange in the Year of Culture programme. Photographers are encouraged to interact with locals, learn from them and document their experiences via social media.
Speaking about his experience in Qatar, Turkish photographer Bayraktariglu said: “From Qatar, I’m taking back to Turkey with me some great friendships. Living a culture teaches people a lot. From now on, Qatar is the pearl of the Gulf to me.”
Ahmet Demirok, Turkish ambassador in Qatar, said: “This year gives a great opportunity to release the potential in the cultural and social fields and cement our relations at the grassroots level. I see with great pleasure that the Turkish and Qatari people are getting more and more interested to know each other.”
Safiya Saif al-Hajari, director of strategic cultural relations at Qatar Museums (QM), said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition, which highlights the role of art and culture in deepening awareness and understanding between nations.”
“As the platinum sponsor of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, ExxonMobil Qatar is extremely pleased to witness the fruits of the photographic exchange that took place between Qatar and Turkey showcased in the photography exhibition,” said Alistair Routledge, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar.
The exhibition also marks the launch of the Qatar Turkey 2015 autumn programme.
The programme will include a lecture as part of the archaeology and heritage conservation in Turkey lecture series. Halil Demirdelen, vice-director, Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ankara, will address ‘Phrygian Civilisation and the Ancient Site of Gordion’ on September 15, UCL Qatar, 6pm.
It will also feature the ‘Harem Al Sultan: Magnificent Century; The Exhibition, Special Edition’ on September 17, QM Gallery at Katara, and a Turkish festival and bazaar from October 29 to 31, Museum of Islamic Art Park.
