A rare opportunity to hear traditional Turkish music and dance, experience, shadow puppet theatre, family workshops, and relax in a Turkish tea house. This rich fusion of cultural energy awaits those attending this year’s Turkish Festival and Bazaar, from 28 - 31 October at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha. Open to the general public with free admission, the festival kicks off Thursday 29 for three days of colourful, fun-filled activities for all the family.

The Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture continues to build on a legacy of connecting people through cultural exchange as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Qatar Turkey 2015 is the fourth consecutive Year of Culture, organized by Qatar Museums, following Qatar Brazil 2014, Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Japan 2012.

Presented by Qatar Museums, a colourful slice of Turkey comes to Qatar for a weekend of events presented at the MIA Park from 28-31 October 2014. Turkish Festival and Bazaar is part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, launching on the 28th at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, further cementing cultural relations between the two nations. Highlights of the festival will include traditional Turkish music and folk dance, a Mehteran Ottoman Military Band, a spectacular outdoor photography exhibition, a Turkish tea house, a ‘cinema under the stars’ provided by Doha Film Institute, shadow puppet theatre workshops, children’s play-area, family arts and craft workshops, and delicious food and beverages supplied by authentic Turkish restaurants.

ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Museums share a long-term relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. The company is proudly supporting Qatar Turkey Year of Culture as its Platinum Sponsor as an important initiative, which will fundamentally lead to a deeper international understanding of Qatar and its rich culture, and highlight it as a world-class center for business and cultural activities. Qatar- Turkey 2015 year of culture is also supported by Qatar Airways as official Airline, and W- Hotel as hospitality Sponsor.

Entertainment and Food

Turkish Festival will offer a rare opportunity to hear street music with davul, zurna, baglama and ney players. Turkish cuisine will be available, which will include high level Hotels restaurants as well as locally based Turkish Restaurants. Ice cream coffee and teas stalls will offer mouthwatering delights for everyone.

Photography Exhibitions

The New Angles; New Perspectives exhibition will be held, in an unusual format which will depict the cross-country representations of the works of Qatari photographers from their cultural exchange trips.

Bazaar

Enjoying Turkey would not be complete without a visit to the bazaar. In the festival bazaar, you’ll be able to splurge on carpets, needle lace artwork, mosaic glass lamps, ceramics, coper and iron works.

Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture

Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture is held under the patronage of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey.

This Year of Culture is dedicated to connecting people in the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey through exploring the contemporary and traditional cultures of both countries, through innovative cultural exchange activities, exhibitions, festivals and educational programmes. These activities will showcase the unique aspects of each nation and will allow for citizens and institutions in both countries to create long lasting partnerships.

ExxonMobil is the Platinum Sponsor of the Year of Culture, while Qatar Airways is the Official Airline and W Doha Hotel & Residences the Hospitality Sponsor. It is the fourth consecutive Year of Culture launched by QM, following the successes of Qatar Japan 2012, Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Brazil 2014.

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