Doha: In a collaborative effort between Qatar Museums (QM) and the Ara Güler Museum in Turkey, a photo exhibition titled ‘In the Footsteps of Ara Güler: Exploring the Photographer’s Legacy’ is being showcased at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
The exhibition features the work of the internationally renowned Turkish photographer and photojournalist Ara Güler. Born in Istanbul in 1928, Güler is widely recognized both within Turkey and globally as a master in the field of photojournalism and photography.
This exhibition, which runs until November 9, has been co-curated by Sheikha Maryam Al Thani from Qatar Museums and Tuana Pulak, the Exhibitions and Project Development Manager at the Ara Güler Museum, founded by the Doğuş Group.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Sheikha Maryam emphasized the cultural exchange and collaboration between Qatar Museums and the Ara Güler Museum.
“The Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar provides a remarkable setting for fostering cross-cultural understanding. Hosting the Ara Güler exhibition in this space offers a distinctive opportunity for artistic exchange. The strategic placement of Güler’s images overlooking Gallery 12, ‘Arts of Turkey and the Ottoman Provinces,’ creates a visual dialogue between his modern photographs and the historical artifacts. This interaction encourages visitors to explore the continuity and development of Turkish heritage and its global influences,” Sheikha Maryam explained.
Discussing Güler’s enduring impact as a photographer and photojournalist, she remarked, “Ara Güler’s legacy as a photographer is both deep and multifaceted. Güler captured the essence of Istanbul and its people through his iconic black-and-white images starting from the 1950s. As a trailblazing photojournalist and a member of Magnum Photos, he elevated Turkish photography on the global stage, documenting both cultural icons and everyday life with equal mastery.
“His work acts as a visual record of Istanbul, depicting its evolving landscape and Turkish culture while bridging East and West by highlighting the confluence of traditional and modern elements within society. The exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar honors this legacy, presenting his diverse body of work through sections such as ‘Istanbul: Eternal Tapestry,’ ‘Archaeology: Echoes from the Past,’ ‘Portraits: In Good Company,’ and ‘Film: Hero’s End,’ which encompass his street photography, archaeological documentation, portraiture, and cinematic endeavors.”
She further noted that Güler’s work holds significant value because it offers a personal and comprehensive visual history of Turkey and its cultural legacy.
His photographs provide a window into the lives of Istanbul’s residents, the historical importance of archaeological sites, and the personal narratives of some of the 20th century’s most influential figures.
“Güler’s commitment to capturing these moments with authenticity and grace has rendered his work an indispensable resource for understanding not only Turkey but also the broader context of cultural history. Displaying Güler’s exceptional works at MIA gives art enthusiasts and photographers in Qatar a chance to learn and be inspired,” she added.
“This collaboration has enabled us to bring together a wide range of Güler’s works and to weave a narrative between his photographs and carefully selected items from Qatar Museums’ General Collection,” she said.
“As a co-curator of the exhibition, my role has involved overseeing the selection and presentation of Ara Güler’s works, while also drawing meaningful connections between his photography and Qatar Museums’ General Collection. In close collaboration with the Ara Güler Museum team, we have curated an exhibition that not only celebrates Güler’s legacy but also highlights connections with our own collections.
“This collaborative effort has allowed us to exhibit Güler’s varied portfolio while shedding light on shared themes and visual dialogues between his work and the artifacts in our museum, offering a fresh perspective on his photography.”
