Photo exhibition on Jerusalem opens in Istanbul

By Handan Kazanci

ISTANBUL (AA) – A photo exhibition on Jerusalem -- a city holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians -- opened Thursday in Istanbul.

Twenty photos depicting daily life are on display at “The City of Sadness, Jerusalem” exhibition at the Beyoglu Municipal Art Gallery, which runs until Jan. 31.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, photographer Suleyman Gunduz said he wanted to show the city as he imagined it, “without any distress”.

He said he wanted to depict the city as a place where “all religions can live together freely and peacefully”.

Gunduz's photos were mainly taken during his visits to Jerusalem this year.

“I have been taking photos of Jerusalem since 2002 and exhibiting them every year since 2007,” he said.

“Jerusalem is an inspiring city. It is an impressive city. It is an important privilege to take photographs there.”

Speaking at the event, Beyoglu Mayor Ahmet Mishap Demircan said although the exhibition was planned around six months ago, it had a special meaning, as the opening coincided with a U.N. vote.

The U.N. overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on Jerusalem late Thursday calling on the United States to withdraw its recognition of the city as Israel's capital.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.