2015/03/05
Turkish Gala
Katara Opera House
The Qatar-Turkey 2015 Year of Culture was launched at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha with a special performance by musicians from Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism Fine Arts Directorate.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikha al-Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, with singers, musicians and dancers reflecting the cultural diversity of Turkey to mark the beginning of this 4th edition of Years of Culture.
The concert included festive folk dances, reflective, spiritual Turkish songs played with a Ney (a traditional flute), and an orchestra performing traditional, classical and popular songs. Artists Garip Ay and Ahmet Sula entertained the audience with Ebru art (marble painting) and calligraphy demonstrations on stage.
The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests including Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Hamad Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Undersecretary of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Ahmet Haluk Dursun, Qatari ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak al-Shafi and Turkey's ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok.
