By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: A stunning performance by a Mehteran Ottoman military band marked the opening of the Turkish Festival and Bazaar yesterday at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park.
Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari attended the opening of the festival, which features Turkish music, dance, handicraft and cuisine.
The four-day festival is one of the highlights of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture which celebrates the strong cultural ties between the two countries.
“Qatari and Turkish people have similar culture that’s why we are trying to bring the people of Turkey and Qatar together through these events and I’m thankful to Qatari authorities providing the opportunity for us,” Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Demirok told The Peninsula.
“We would like to promote Turkish culture here . As you know Turkey has become the top destination for the Qatari people this year. We would like to increase the number of people visiting Turkey to bring Qatari and Turkish people closer,” added Ambassador Demirok.
The festival also features the ulti-awarded State Folk Dance Ensemble which has represented Turkish culture and art abroad.
A four-storey tall installation of photographs taken by Qatari photographers Saleh Al Marri and Sarah Al Obaidly, who travelled to Turkey earlier this year as part of the Year of Culture is among the attractions at the festival.
The bazaar offers visitors some of the finest gifts from Turkey such as carpets, furniture, lamps, ceramics and copper among others.
Visitors can enjoy Turkish and Qatari films at the DFI Cinema Under the Stars as well as taste authentic Turkish food by some of the top hotels and restaurants in Doha.
“As we edge closer towards the closing of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, we are confident this event will be a huge success as residents of Qatar will be able discover and enjoy Turkish Culture in this festival and bazaar. Our aim of bringing people of two cultures together is definitely reached and we are very proud to see smiles on many faces,” said Safiya Al Hajari, Director of the Office of Strategic Cultural Relations. The festival is open to the public from 2pm to 10pm today and tomorrow and from 10am to 9pm on Saturday.
The Peninsula
