Qatar- Katara photography exhibition captures Peruvian grandeur

7/22/2016 4:24:02 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Ambassador of Peru to Qatar, Julio Florian, with Deputy General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, Ahmed Al Sayed, touring the ‘Qhapac Nan-Peru Photography Exhition at Katara yesterday. (Photo: Salim Matramkot)

By Raynald C Rivera

DOHA: Thirty-three photos of stunning Peruvian landscape taken along the 30,000km Qhapaq an road network in the Andes mountains are featured in a photography exhibition which opened in Katara yesterday marking the second year anniversary of Qhapaq an";s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.

'This exhibition is about road network our ancestors-the Incas-built more than 500 years ago, which was the backbone of the Inca Empire. What is outstanding about it is that it was built between 5,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level in the highest peak of the Andes covering six South American countries namely Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile,”Peru";s Ambassador to Qatar Julio Florian told The Peninsula.

The road system was the outcome of a political project carried out by the Incas to link towns and centers of production and worship together under an economic, social and cultural programme.

'Every 30km to 50km in the road, they built places where they could worship, store their products, sleep and exchange views. It covers more than 30,000km and is actually in use,” explained Ambassador Florian.

Although thousands of miles away, the site bears a strong connection to Qatar worthy to be seen by people here via the exhibition.

'The reason why I was very interested in showing it here is because two years ago during the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in Doha, Qhapaq an was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The road is Peruvian but it was recognised as a World Heritage Site in Doha,” said the Ambassador.

So far Peru now has 12 world heritage sites with Qhapaq an the latest addition makiing Peru one of the Latin American countries with the highest number of sites inscribed on the list.

(Photo: Salim Matramkot / Teh Peninsula)

'What makes Qapac an exceptional is that I think it is the first world heritage site spanning six countries. It was a long process which took years and it was a proud moment for us when it was recognised in Doha,” he said.

The exhibiton also features portraits of children donning varied hats which distinctly identify the community they belong, revealing the cultural diversity of Peru. 'The portraits represent 12 communities, just a small fraction of the communities that use the roads. Covering more than 1.28mn sqkm, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of culture and biodiversity,” he added.

Along with the photos, native costumes worn by the inhabitants in the mountainous as well as the Amazon region of Peru are also displayed at the exhibition.

Organised by Katara and Peruvian Embassy, the expo was opened by Ahmed Al Sayed, Katara deputy general manager and head of international relations and Ambassador Florian in the presence of heads of missions and Katara officials.

The exhibition is open until July 30 at Katara Building 19 Gallery 2.

The Peninsula

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