Qatar Museums, in collaboration with the Ara Güler Museum in Turkey, presents ‘In the Footsteps of Ara Güler: Exploring the Photographer’s Legacy’ from August 9 to November 9, 2024, at the Museum of Islamic Art. This exhibition celebrates the work of world-renowned photographer Ara Güler (1928-2018), capturing his mastery in portraying Turkey’s essence and cultural heritage. Through iconic images of Istanbul, archaeological discoveries, and portraits of global figures, visitors will witness Güler’s profound influence on photography and his dedication to preserving shared cultural memory.
Born in Istanbul in 1928, Ara Güler is internationally acclaimed as a master of photojournalism. His 70-year career provides a visual historical record of modern Turkey and beyond. The exhibition features 155 photographs, alongside correspondence, cameras, and memorabilia from the his Archives and Research Center in Istanbul, offering a comprehensive overview of Güler’s work.
The exhibition is organised into four sections. Eternal Tapestry showcases Güler’s celebrated photographs of Istanbul, displayed alongside historic prints from QM’s General Collection, highlighting Istanbul’s role as a cultural crossroads. Echoes from the Past features Güler’s significant photo-reportages on archaeological sites like Aphrodisias and Nemrut Dağ, emphasising photography’s role in preserving historical legacies. In Good Company presents Güler’s portraits of notable figures, including an exclusive portrait of Fahrelnissa Zeid paired with her drawings from Mathaf’s collection. The exhibition concludes with the screening of Hero’s End (1973-1975), a film by Güler documenting the dismantling of the Ottoman warship Yavuz.
Curated by Sheikha Maryam Al Thani and the Ara Güler Museum, this exhibition represents a special collaboration, offering fresh perspectives on Güler’s work and QM’s extensive collection.
About Ara Güler Museum
The Museum, founded in partnership with Ara Güler and Doğuş Group, opened on his 90th birthday, August 16, 2018. Located in Bomontiada, its mission is to share Güler’s artistic legacy and extensive archives with a broad audience. The museum promotes the impact of photography through exhibitions, publications, events, and collaborations both locally and internationally. Recognized as an official private museum by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2022, the Ara Güler Museum is also a member of the International Council of Museums.
Location: Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar Museum, Doha
Dates: August 9 to November 9, 2024