We have been fighting with the (Covid-19) coronavirus, which started to spread around the world in December of last year as a country since March. All of our lifes had to change of necessity. In line with the decisions taken by our goverment, we have either postponed or tried to realize almost all of our social and cultural activities through social media as Bursa Metropolitan Municipality.

Our Bursa International Photography Festival, which will be held on October 16-24 this year, will be the first in this context.  Our festival is the biggest photography event in our country as you know. Now we are moving this great event for the first time in a virtual platform in Turkey.

This year we organise our festival which is organized by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and Bursa City Council with the contributions of tBursa Photography Art Association (BUFSAD), with the theme of "far away - nearby", a little inspired by the pandemic process.

With the belief that the "Bursa International Photography Festival Virtual 2020", where 270 photographers from 18 countries will take part in 166 exhibitions with more than 2200 photographs, will inspire not only those who love photography, but also those who value all aspects of art. We are waiting for welcoming all our citizens to the virtual platforms where our festival will be held between 16-24 October.

On this occasion, I would like to thank those who contributed to the realization of the festival. Sincerely yours

Alinur AKTAŞ
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor