Sultanate Through the Eyes of Lensman
Oman Tribune
Thursday, November 23, 2006
by Oommen John P

MUSCAT — "Religion and Society in Oman through American Eyes," a photo exhibition by Edward Grazda was inaugurated under the auspices of HE Sayyid Hamoud Bin Faisal Bin Said, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, at Grand Hyatt Hotel, on Wednesday.

Organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in association with the Institute for American Values, New York, the photos of capture images of the Sultanate's development, people, and nature. "Nearly 50 black and white photographers are being featured in the exhibition," Grazda, a documentary photographer told Oman Tribune. Photographs of the Eid Market, Muscat Festival, wadis have been featured in the exhibition.

"What has impressed me is the importance accorded by Omanis to keep their traditions alive," he said. "The photographs were taken during my three months travel across the Sultanate," he added. Grazda studied photography at the Rhode Island School of Design and has worked as a photographer in many countries. He has spent more than 25 years documenting Afghanistan.

HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in his address said, "The images of the Sultanate take by Grazda highlight aspects of the country's development." Several dignitaries, including ministers, were among those present.