“Dreams of the Future” A Photography Exhibition by Syrian and Turkish Youth launched in Istanbul International Airport

Istanbul, 18 December 2019 – A photography exhibition opened in Istanbul Airport today, showcasing photos taken by Turkish and Syrian adolescents. The exhibition demonstrates the positive impact of access to education and social engagement opportunities on the daily lives of young people and on peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.

Entitled “Dreams of the Future,” the exhibition was inaugurated at the Istanbul International Airport by Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Minister of Youth and Sports of Turkey, Mr. Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative to Turkey, the photographer Reza and Mr. Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Istanbul Airport.

The exhibition reflects the dreams and realities of both Turkish and Syrian youth, through the photos of sixty-two adolescents who participated in the Youth Lens project. Youth Lens was launched in 2018 and provided photography training to Turkish and Syrian young people from Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir. 62 boys and girls aged 11 to 18, were introduced to image storytelling by the renowned photographer Reza and a team of local trainers.

Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative to Turkey declared: “This exhibition gives us a glimpse of how children and adolescents see their current reality and the dreams they have for the future. Education is essential for them to realize their dreams and successfully integrate society. The Youth Lens project is an illustration of this, and I am grateful that the partnership developed between UNICEF, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Reza, could produce such an impressive result. I also wish to thank the EU for their financial support to this programme as well as the Istanbul Airport for hosting this exhibition and providing an opportunity for passengers from all around the world to discover the work of the young photographers. “

Youth Lens was developed and is implemented under a close partnership between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, UNICEF and Reza, with the financial support of the European Union as part of the Non-Formal Education (NFE) Programme. The exhibition “Dreams of the Future” presents a selection of the photographs of the 62-young people participating in the project. The exhibition is an awareness-raising effort to draw the attention of the public to the daily stories of Turkish and Syrian youth, highlighting the challenges they face as well as their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Speaking at the opening, Kadri Samsunlu, the Chairperson of the Executive Board and Director General of İGA İstanbul Airport said: “As İGA we envisage İstanbul Airport as a living space.  We shall do our best to be the greatest supporter of culture and arts in our airport.  The project ‘Youth Lens’ tells stories of 11 to 18 years old adolescents from Gaziantep, İstanbul and İzmir. I think the photo exhibition ‘Dreams of the Future’ sets a fine example of what young people from different origins can achieve when they gather around a common project.  There are 3.6 million Syrian citizens in our country. We must do much more for children whatever their origin may be.”

Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu said “Our brothers that we host  and our country's youth immortalized their "Future Dreams" within the scope of our Social Cohesion Project. They looked within their hearts and they saw with their hearts.

This project is not only a partnership on paper, it is also a partnership from the heart.

Therefore, every activity we carry out within the scope of this project has our and our youth's spirit.

You exhibited one of the most beautiful representations of sharing, supporting a common purpose and brotherhood. We are proud of you. I would like to thank you for your efforts, your work that enrich life and for your solidarity.