Pakistan Embassy organizes Photography exhibition “Colours of Pakistan and Turkey –Through the Lens”

Ankara : A Photography Exhibition titled “Colours of Pakistan and Turkey –Through the Lens” was launched on Tuesday at Ankara’s prestigious art gallery. The Embassy of Pakistan has organized the exhibition in collaboration with Yunus Emre Institute, as part of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.  The Exhibition features the works of Pakistan’s leading photographers Gulraiz Ghouri and Faisal Rauf.

A large number of Turkish dignitaries including Member Parliament and Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Muhammet Balta, Member Parliament and President of Pakistan-Turkey Cultural Association Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, senior Turkish officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Pakistani community and other guests attended the opening ceremony.

President of Yunus Emre Institute Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, while addressing the guests, expressed his delight at co-hosting the event, terming it as a ‘meaningful exhibition for art lovers in Ankara.’  Praising the work of the photographers, he noted that they had highlighted rich cultural connection between Pakistan and Turkey through their photographs. He added that the Yunus Emre Institute would soon open a cultural center in Pakistan that will help promote Turkish language, culture and art.

In his remarks on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood said Pakistan and Turkey were two very colourful countries – endowed with immense natural beauty, vibrant societies and rich culture. He said that Gulraiz Ghouri and Faisal Rauf had composed an outstanding visual narrative – generating sharp images of the beauty and diversity of the two countries and peoples with remarkable effect. He added that the togetherness of Pakistan and Turkey through shared history and culture was also a powerful element of the narrative.

Ambassador Sohail stated that along with nurturing of excellent political ties and strong economic partnership, the Exhibition was part of the efforts to further reinforce the people-to-people dimension of the abiding and multifaceted Pakistan-Turkey relationship. He informed that more events would be organized in future focusing on the creative growth taking place in music, literature and visual arts in Pakistan.

Comprising more than 100 photographs taken in Pakistan and Turkey, the Exhibition offers a powerful illustration of geographical locations, people, and culture in the two countries.  It will continue till 10 October at Cer Modern, Ankara.