By Museums in Qatar Highlight Moroccan Culture and Artistry
As Qatar embarks on the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, several museums and institutions in Doha are showcasing treasures from their collections that celebrate Moroccan culture and artistry.
Berber Jewelry Collection at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
The Museum of Islamic Art is hosting the Berber Jewelry Collection from the Royal Palace until May 20. This exhibition, which marks the inaugural Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, features over 200 historically and culturally significant pieces from Morocco’s Oudayas and the National Museum of Adornment in Rabat. The collection represents the diverse regions of Morocco and showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of Berber jewelry.
Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites
The Katara Prize is currently accepting submissions until June 30. This new prize includes two categories: research on an original, unpublished manuscript, and the best research study on archaeological sites or monuments in the Arab region. The prize aims to promote scholarly work and exploration of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
Artistic Expressions at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
The Museum of Islamic Art features several artifacts that celebrate Moroccan culture, including a Quran, astrolabe, bridal necklace and earrings, a collection of hadith, and a wooden arch. These artifacts provide insights into the culture, history, traditions, and artistic expressions of Morocco. Notable pieces include a special astrolabe crafted by renowned medieval North African instrument maker Abu Bakr Ibn Yusuf, and a 17th-century Quran written by Ahmad Ibn ‘Ali Ibn Abi Ibrahim in the Maghribi script using European numerals.
Additionally, the museum showcases a gold bridal set that reflects Moroccan style and craftsmanship, with influences from Amazigh, Ottoman, and Spanish traditions. These pieces highlight the wealth and tastes of the urban aristocracy in 18th and 19th-century Morocco.
Moroccan Athletes at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum pays tribute to Moroccan athletes Hicham El Guerrouj and Nawal El Moutawakel. Hicham El Guerrouj, known as the “King of the Mile,” won gold and set speed records in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter races at the 2004 Olympics. After retiring, El Guerrouj served on the International Olympic Committee and worked to combat doping in athletics. Nawal El Moutawakel, a trailblazer in Moroccan sports, exemplifies the country’s impressive sporting culture.
Moroccan Artists at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art hosts an extensive collection of works by modern and contemporary Moroccan artists. The recently rehung permanent galleries 8-11 showcase iconic works that challenge representations of women’s identity in Moroccan society. Artists like Chaibia Talal depict everyday life and family, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s culture. Gallery 11 presents an independent identity of abstract expressionism inspired by cultural practices. Mohamed Melehi, a pioneering figure of Moroccan modernism, is featured in this gallery with pieces such as “Rejected” and “Blue Moon,” showcasing his evolution of geometric abstraction.
These exhibitions and collections offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of Morocco in the heart of Qatar.
