Van Metropolitan Municipality has undertaken an exemplary project to increase the interest of the young generation in art and to enable them to discover the historical and natural beauties of the city through a different perspective. The photography festival called “We are Photographing Van with 120 Children, Van Through the Eyes of Children”, implemented by the Department of Culture and Social Affairs, offers an unforgettable experience for children between the ages of 12-14.
120 Children Explored Van
As part of the project, 16 children selected from various schools toured the unique natural and historical sites of Van under the guidance of photography instructors on April 2025, 120 and took photos. From the fascinating views of Lake Van to the historical Urartian ruins, from ancient mosques to streets bearing traces of local architecture, many beauties were immortalized by the curious lenses of the children. Thanks to this event, children had the opportunity to get to know the city they live in more closely and also had the opportunity to learn the basic principles of photography in practice.
Introducing Van Through Children's Eyes
The landscapes of Van reflected in the children's frames also make an important contribution to the promotion of the city. Each photo reveals a different side of Van from the children's unique perspective. While some capture the golden color of a sunset, some capture the magnificence of a historical structure, and some capture the unique beauty of the Van cat. In this way, Van's natural riches and cultural heritage are rediscovered through the innocent and creative eyes of children.
Photography Exhibition Will Meet Art Lovers
The exciting finale of the “We Photograph Van with Our 120 Children, Van Through the Eyes of Children” festival will be the photography exhibition to be held on May 30, 2025. The beautiful and meaningful photographs taken by the children throughout the festival will be presented to art lovers in this exhibition organized by the Metropolitan Municipality. This exhibition will allow children to showcase their efforts and talents, as well as provide the opportunity to see the beauties of Van from a different perspective. At the same time, this project aims to discover and encourage young talents interested in photography. This meaningful event of the Van Metropolitan Municipality contributes to the artistic development of children, while also providing significant support for the protection and promotion of the city’s cultural and natural heritage.
