Tuesday September 1^st 2015, 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. This is a photography exhibition to showcase the best works from Qatari and Turkish photographers: Sara Al Obaidly, Saleh Al Marri, Ali Muhammet Bayraktariglu and Hasan Yelken.

The photography exhibitionArtistic Journeys: New Angles; New Perspectives, is a unique visual interpretation of this year’s Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture. In collaboration with the Qatar Photographic Society (QPS), the Ministry of Culture 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. In turn, two Turkish photographers were invited to 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.

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 the locals, learn from them and document their experiences via social media.

Speaking about his experience in Qatar, Turkish Photographer A li Muhammet Bayraktariglu said: “From Qatar I’m taking back to Turkey with me some great friendships. I was not sure about Arabic culture before. What I knew is what I read. But living a culture teaches people a lot. From now on, Qatar is the pearl of the Gulf to me.”

Commenting on the Year of Culture and exhibition, HE Ahmet Demirkan Ambassador of Turkey in Qatar said: “This year gives a great opportunity to release the potential in cultural and social fields and to cement our relations at grassroots level. I see with great pleasure that Turkish and Qatari people are getting more and more interested to know each other.

Given all these positive frames, I believe there is a lot to share and cooperate between our brotherly countries; therefore we will need to work harder to catch our potential. And our doors are always wide open to our Qatari brothers and sisters.”

Commenting on the exhibition, Safiya Saif Al Hajari, Director of Strategic Cultural Relations at Qatar Museums, said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition, which highlights the role for art and culture in deepening awareness and understanding between nations.

The exhibition presents a series of unique perspectives of both Qatar and Turkey captured through the lenses of these talented photographers. Together they have engaged in a fascinating journey of discovery and developed a deep appreciation of one another’s cultures during these past few months.

In this way, the exhibition is an ideal expression of the aims of the Qatar Turkey Year of Culture – to strengthen bilateral relations by creating lasting partnerships between institutions and individuals. I would like to thank all our partners and sponsors for working with us to make this exhibition possible.”

“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 Artistic Journeys: New Angles; New Perspectives,” said Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. “As a committed partner in Qatar – a role we have proudly and wholeheartedly embraced for more than 22 years -- ExxonMobil Qatar continues to support the country by helping to sustain its thriving society and preserve its rich heritage through programs and initiatives such as this one, which encourage cultural dialogue, and promote the talent and unique capabilities of Qatari individuals.”

This year’s exhibition is in collaboration with the Qatari and Turkish Ministries of Culture, the Qatar Photographic Society and See My Culture. The exhibition will run from 1 September – 30 September 2015 at the Qatar photographic Society Gallery, Building 18 in Katara.

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.

This exhibition will mark the launch of the exciting QT15 autumn program which will include:

- A lecture as part of the Archaeology and heritage conservation in turkey lectures series. 15 September 2015, UCL Qatar, 6PM “Phrygian Civilization and the Ancient Site of Gordion” , by Mr Halil Demirdelen, Vice Director, Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ankara,

- Harem Al Sultan, Magnificent Century: The Exhibition. Special Edition, 17^th September, QM Gallery in Katara

- Turkish festival and bazaar 29-31 October

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