I’m proud and humbled to announce that my work has been selected for the Aleppo International Festival of Photography. I sent my work off to Syria in January 2014 for the festival opening in September. For obvious reasons I believed that the festival had been canceled. Never doubt the power of human spirit! The exhibition will be projected at various times dependant on electricity. See email below..

Dear Friend supporter and Photographer

I hope this email finds you well. As I mention before, Aleppo international photo festival will run in Aleppo, without giving any attentions to war masters.

Despite all the horrors of war and the difficulties of being in Aleppo, I and the other team members & intellectuals that have been working together, still think as Aleppians we need more Nationals and Internationals attention and Support.

The civilians of our city, who stand to live and witness those moments in Aleppo deserve to have a peaceful moment, to stand and enjoy your photographic Arts works. This will provide a hint of normalcy that Aleppians can enjoy, similar that any citizen around the world can enjoy easily .

This will be the second time that we will hold this Festival under horrible conditions.

The Photo Gathering is now in its 12th year and has continued to grow and make a significant contribution to the cultural life of Aleppo and Syria even when it became a war zone.

We still Believe: Art has to be the best way to build trust between Countries.

ISSA TOUMA- Director Aleppo 12th International Photography Festival