Katara Cultural Village has launched the “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” photo exhibition, which is organised in co-operation with the Katara Centre for Public Diplomacy and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
The exhibition was attended by a number of ambassadors as well as the Unesco representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and director of the Unesco Office in Doha, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled.
Running until October 14, the exhibition displays 30 photos from 21 countries, selected in the international competition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", organised by Unesco.
Katara general manager of Katara Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti stressed that the exhibition reflects the close co-operation between Katara and the Unesco, confirming the mutual appreciation for culture and art, and for building bridges of communication between cultures and people.
He stated that they are creating a new path inspired by the Silk Road, connecting the East to the West and the North to the South through artwork that reflects the unique human heritage of various cultures.
Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised the significant role of Arabs in promoting Arab culture along this historic trade route.
He also noted that the exhibition highlights Katara's ongoing efforts to foster collaboration with various organisations to promote the importance of cultural exchange, understanding, and peace among nations.
Zaki Khaled described the exhibition as an expression of the Unesco's celebration of the community and cultural participation of youth through the activities of the Unesco Silk Roads Programme of the Unesco Social and Human Sciences Sector, and voiced his appreciation of the efforts of the Katara Cultural Village in co-operation and joint work.
He said that through the international competition exhibition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", the Unesco aims to enhance youth engagement with their cultural heritage and share their ideas with the world.
Zaki Khaled noted that the exhibition showcases vibrant perspectives from young artists living or travelling along historical routes, reflecting their spirit of creativity and collaboration.
Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said the contest, in its fourth edition for 2024, received 300 applicants from 21 countries, of which 30 were selected.
They completed their works that reflected the cultural heritage of their countries, which are located on the Silk Road.
In a related context, photographer Abdulrahman Abdullah from Bangladesh shared that his contribution to the exhibition was inspired by a heritage festival in Katara, highlighting Qatar's cultural legacy.
His photograph features a person holding a falcon, symbolising the care for heritage.
Abdullah said that Katara's support for such exhibitions fosters the development of artists' talents, particularly among emerging photographers. – QNA
