qna
Doha
Cultural relations between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany have become a pioneering model of cooperation in various cultural fields, based on mutual respect and the belief in the importance of building a civilizational dialogue rooted in knowledge.
Over nearly half a century of diplomatic relations between the two countries, strong and comprehensive ties have been established in various areas, with the cultural sector being the most prominent aspect of this cooperation.
Both countries have worked diligently to build bridges of understanding and cultural collaboration, which have continually strengthened and deepened their bilateral relations, thereby laying a solid foundation for fruitful civilizational dialogue between their peoples. Culture serves as Qatar’s permanent ambassador in its relations with various countries around the world, reflecting its belief in the importance of cultural diplomacy in building strong relationships between nations and peoples based on respect for diverse cultures.
‘Years of Culture’
Qatar also recognizes the influence of culture in uniting people and encouraging constructive dialogue. The ‘Years of Culture’ initiative launched by Qatar Museums in 2012 is a vivid example of Qatar’s strategy to build bridges of knowledge, and love, and to promote dialogue and peace through mutual cultural cooperation.
This initiative has engaged with many countries, culminating in an important milestone for cultural exchange between Qatar and Germany in 2017. During this year, the two countries exemplified a unique model of cultural understanding and collaboration through a series of joint events, the most notable of which was a musical concert held at the Katara Opera House, where an orchestra performed German and Qatari music directed by the German conductor David Niemann, showcasing the deep connections between the two countries through the language of art and music. The German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut collaborated with the Doha Film Institute to host a German Film Week at the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Ministry of Culture hosted a German pavilion at the Doha International Book Fair. The ongoing efforts of cooperation over the years between Qatar and Germany have sparked engaging discussions on various topics.
Additionally, Siemens Qatar hosted an event for women centered around the theme of culture and creativity on International Women’s Day. In a wonderful intersection of culture and football, the German Embassy, the Goethe-Institut, and Qatar Museums organized a friendly match between the two countries’ women’s football teams.
Among the notable events was the exhibition German Design..Innovation Title at the Qatar Museums Gallery, as well as the German Encounters - Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection at the Fire Station exhibition. That cultural year represented a meeting point between two distinctive cultures, as Qatar and Germany came together through a carefully coordinated program of events that celebrated the best of both nations and supported a heritage of sustainable partnership.
It underscored that cultural cooperation explored many common interests and contrasts between the two countries, strengthening existing and future ties. Cultural ties were not limited to cultural year activities in both countries. The Ministry of Culture consistently participated in major German cultural events, most notably the Frankfurt Book Fair, both before and after the cultural year, highlighting the depth of cultural relations between the two countries.
Arab Cultural House
This cultural collaboration has contributed to real rapprochement between Arab and German cultures, culminating in Qatar’s inauguration of the Arab Cultural House “Diwan” in Berlin, which serves as a centre for deepening civilizational and cultural communication between the two nations.
The Cultural House holds significant importance as it is the first Qatari cultural centre outside of Qatar, marking a new chapter in Qatari-German cultural relations. Moreover, the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Arab Cultural House (Diwan) on Sept 6, 2018, provided a strong boost, especially as it was still in its early stages. His Highness’s visit highlights the importance Qatar places on enhancing cultural relations, recognizing their positive impact on global peace.
The Cultural House embarked on a journey to raise awareness of Arab culture and strengthen the bonds of civilizational dialogue between the two cultures through numerous activities, events, art exhibitions, theatre, cinema, music, and publications that aim to bridge communication between Arab and German cultures.
Perhaps one of the most important major events organized by the Arab Cultural House (Diwan) was the second edition of the Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair held from August 30 - September 1, 2024.
More than 70 publishers from the Arab world and intellectual and research centres participated in it. The fair provided a unique platform to enhance the status of Arabic literature in Germany. It was also accompanied by a diverse cultural program that provided deeper insights into Arabic literature and the international publishing industry.
Diwan is one of the most beautiful buildings in the district of Zehlendorf in the capital, Berlin. The Embassy of the State of Qatar restored the ancient building to preserve its historical character and transformed it into the Arab Cultural House to bring cultures together, build bridges of communication, and introduce Arab culture in arts, music, literature, and cinema. Diwan houses a vast library that reflects the rich and beautiful Arab culture.
It also welcomes numerous officials, intellectuals, and representatives from universities and research centres in Germany who are interested in Arab culture and the dialogue of civilizations. The cultural relations between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany are built on diversity, harmony, and the richness of culture in both countries. Therefore, Qatar hosts a number of German institutions, most notably the German International School Doha, established in October 2008 as a recognized German school abroad and is part of a global network of 140 German schools abroad, according to the 2018 census.
The choice of the Federal Republic of Germany to establish the Arab Cultural House is due to Germany’s distinction culturally and not only industrially, as it has an intellectual and cultural scene that extends throughout history and enjoys vitality, activity, diversity, and global openness.
For this reason, it was known as the country of great thinkers and scholars including the pioneers of the Reformation era in Europe Martin Luther, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Friedrich Nietzsche, Arthur Schopenhauer, Immanuel Kant, and many others who played major roles in the history of world philosophy. Moreover, the German people tend to love all kinds of arts, as Germany is rich in its various theaters of different sizes and rich arts. The art of theater dates back several centuries, starting from the Baroque era through the Middle Ages to our modern era.
Europe’s theatre paradise
Germany is described as Europe’s theatre paradise, not only for its many and varied theatres but also for its long history in the fourth art. Germany is also the cradle of great artists and playwrights such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Bertolt Brecht. It is no surprise that the country has about 180 public (public) theatres and 190 private theatres, making Germany an important theatre cluster, in addition to more than 7,200 museums and galleries, which together form a unique and diverse scene of museums. Germany is also one of the leading countries in the field of publishing and reading as it held the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest international book fairs.
Perhaps the factor of diversity that distinguishes the German people has contributed to the emergence of this country in various fields, including culture, art and thought. It is full of cultural events that extend beyond the European continent, most notably the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the largest film festivals.
Germany has around 50 sites and monuments under UNESCO protection. The Humboldt Forum, which was established as part of the reconstruction of the City Palace in Berlin, will soon be a new and important cultural centre, a site for international scientific exchange, and a centre for intercultural dialogue.
