Tribune News Network
Doha
As Qatar embraces the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, a rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage and artistic brilliance takes centre stage in Doha’s museums and cultural institutions. From Berber jewellery to contemporary art installations, the celebration promises a captivating journey through Morocco’s cultural landscape.
Berber Jewellery Collection from the Royal Palace (Museum of Islamic Art; Dates: February 20 - May 20, 2024)
Kicking off the festivities is the grand exhibition, ‘Berber Jewellery Collection from the Royal Palace’, hosted at the prestigious Museum of Islamic Art. Showcasing over 200 exquisite pieces from Morocco’s Oudayas and the National Museum of Adornment in Rabat, the collection offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Morocco’s diverse regions and cultural heritage. Notably, this marks the first time the Royal Collection ventures beyond Morocco’s borders, a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Qatar and Morocco.
Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archeological Sites (Submission Period: March 11 - June 30, 2024)
The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), has launched the inaugural Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archeological Sites, with Morocco as the honoured country for its debut edition. With categories spanning unpublished manuscripts to research on archaeological sites, the prize aims to foster scholarly engagement and preserve Arab heritage. Submissions, open to all nationalities, vie for a total prize pool of $90,000, embodying the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration.
Desert of the North (The Ned Hotel Atrium; Permanent Installation by Amine El Gotaibi)
Renowned Moroccan designer and fine artist, Amine El Gotaibi, unveils ‘Desert of the North’ at The Ned Hotel, a testament to his mastery of natural materials and conceptual depth. Exploring the interplay between wool and copper, the installation captivates with its dynamic fusion of materials and sensitivity to environmental nuances, inviting viewers into a realm of sensory exploration.
Museum of Islamic Art
Permanent Collection
Within the hallowed halls of the Museum of Islamic Art, Morocco’s cultural legacy finds resonance through a diverse array of artifacts. From a majestic Quran and astrolabe to intricate bridal adornments, each piece offers a window into Morocco’s rich history and artistic ingenuity. Noteworthy is a special astrolabe bearing the distinctive engravings of Abu Bakr ibn Yusuf, underscoring Morocco’s contribution to medieval science and craftsmanship.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Permanent Collection
Morocco’s sporting prowess takes centre stage at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, where legends like Hicham El Guerroouj and Nawal El Moutawakel are immortalized. From record-breaking feats on the track to pioneering leadership off it, these athletes embody Morocco’s indomitable spirit and global influence in the world of sports.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Permanent Exhibition Galleries
At Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, Moroccan artists shine bright in the newly rehung permanent galleries. From Chaibia Talal’s intimate reflections on women’s identity to Mohamed Melehi’s bold experimentation with abstraction, the exhibitions offer a nuanced exploration of Moroccan artistry and its evolving dialogue with the world.
As the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture unfolds, it weaves a vibrant tapestry of shared heritage and creative exchange, uniting Qatar and Morocco in a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic excellence.