El-Masri Oud Concerto (World Premiere) in Katara Doha Qatar

Conductor / Guest Artist
Thomas Kalb, conductor
Charbel Rouhana, oud
Program
Revueltas: Semsemaya
El-Masri: Oud Concerto (World Premiere)
Abdalla El-Masri is a Lebanese composer, born in 1962, now living in Kuwait, who studied at Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
Gliére: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 25

El-Masri Oud Concerto (World Premiere)

 

10 Mar 2012

07:30:pm - 11:00:pm

Katara Opera House – Building 16

Buy Tickets 

 

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Launching Lomography in Katara Doha Qatar

Lomography is a global community whose strong passion is creative and experimental analogue film photography.

Lomography speak in photos and know no boundaries. Its mission is to snapshot every corner of the world, No matter where on earth you are, be sure that Lomography is either just around the corner .

Katara ARt Center is happy to announce that it brought the full range of Lomography cameras to town and it will be launching this event with the collaboration of Lomography Community based in Doha.

http://www.lomography.com/

Launching Lomography in Katara Doha Qatar

2 Mar 2012

07:00:pm - 10:00:pm

Katara Art Centre – Building 5

Free Admission

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Qatari Sculptors Exhibition Katara Doha Qatar

Witness the magnificent sculptures created by some of the Qatari Artists at Katara Art Center

 

1 Mar - 14 Mar 2012

10:00:am - 10:00:pm

Katara Art Center, Bldg 5

 

Free Admission

 

Qatari Sculptors Exhibition Katara Doha Qatar

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The Pearl Doha Qatar

The Pearl Doha Qatar

 

The Pearl-Qatar is the country's first international urban development. A Riviera style, man-made island located in a glamorous environment in Doha. 

The Pearl Doha Qatar

 The Middle East's most fashionable lifestyle community, the Pearl-Qatar - crafted from a mix of Arabic, Mediterranean and European culture - offers cosmopolitan charm, outstanding beauty and a contemporary spirit.

The Pearl Doha Qatar

 

Built on one of Qatar's major pearl diving sites, this artificial island creates a new coastline off Doha's West Bay Lagoon area. Boasting international themes, the Pearl features luxury apartments, villas, town houses, penthouses, 5 Star hotels, an international yacht club, three marinas, international shops and restaurants, entertainment venues, and schools. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Riviera within the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.

 

Read more www.thepearlqatar.com

 

The Pearl Doha Qatar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pearl Doha Qatar

The Pearl Doha Qatar

The Pearl Doha Qatar

The Pearl Doha Qatar

 Location in the map

 

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Basic Information in State of Qatar

Essential information for anyone thinking of coming to Qatar.

Electrical System
The electrical system is the same as in Britain, with the same kind of plugs (240 volts, plugs with three square pins). American devices cannot be used in Qatar (although laptop computers usually adjust their voltage automatically).

Safety
Crime is almost non-existent in Qatar, and the police are honest. Qatar has suffered only one terrorist attack, and this appears to be an aberration. Qatar feels very safe.

Money
The local currency is the Qatari riyal (QR) which is fixed to the dollar at a rate of $1= QR3.64. This is theoretically divided into 100 dirhams, although in practice only 25 and 50 dirham coins are available. There is sometimes a shortage of these coins, so expect to be given change in the form of chocolate or chewing gum.

There are no currency controls, and money can be freely taken in or out of the country.

Cash machines (ATMs) are widely available, and are connected to international networks. Major Credit cards and travellers cheques are also widely accepted, although travellers cheques maybe less necessary here than other places because of the very low crime rate.

Driving
Cars drive on the right in Qatar. Visitors can drive for one week using driving licences from their country. There are a huge number of place to hire cars. See Driving in Qatar

Transport
Buses are available. They are modern and air-conditioned. They are used mostly by (male) immigrant workers, as most Qataris and ex-pat professionals have cars. Buses cost 2 riyals within Doha, and 7 riyals for intercity journeys.

There are modern and cheap (and honest) taxis. These start at at less than and a dollar and then cost 25 cents a kilometer. Another alternative is to use ‘limousine’ services. These are effectively unmetered upmarket cabs. They cannot be hailed from the street.

Emergency Number
The emergency number is 999 for all services.

Telephones
The international dialling code is +974. There is only one phone company and calls to and from Qatar are very expensive. It may be very expensive to use a foreign mobile phone here. Check with your operator. It is possible to get a pay-as-you-go phone here relatively cheaply. Many people use internet calling to reduce their bills.

Internet
Internet cafes are widely available and cheap to use. The internet is censored for pornography, but not for politics. See Qatar Surprise .

Language
English is almost universally used in Qatar. Indeed, as most shop assistants and taxi drivers are not Arab and cannot speak Arabic, the locals need to use English.

Clothing
Clothing should be modest, but the required level of modesty is often exaggerated. See Living in Qatar: Myths and realities.

Weather
It can hit 50ºC in Qatar in the summer, and it’s also extremely humid. The weather is much more pleasant during the spring and autumn, and a light jacket will be necessary during the winter. Recently, there has been an increased amount of rain.

Weekends and working hours
The weekends are Friday and Saturday, although some workers are required to work 6 days a week. On Friday morning all the shops are closed except for a few in the large shopping malls. Saturday shop opening hours are normal.

Shops are frequently open from early in the morning until late in the evening, although many of those outside the shopping malls close in the afternoon.

Working hours are approximately 8am-12pm, and then 4pm-8pm, although government departments frequently work only in the mornings. Workers should not be required to work more than 8 hours a day without over time, although this doesn't always happen in practice.

Food and Restaurants
There is a huge variety of restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. All the main international fast food restaurants are present. Vegetarians are well catered for in Indian restaurants, although their choices may be limited in other restaurants.

Al-Rayyan Stadium WorldCup2022 Qatar

Al-Rayyan Stadium WorldCup2022 Qatar

The existing Al-Rayyan Stadium with a seating capacity of 21,282 will be expanded to 44,740 seats using modular elements to form an upper tier. The stadium is designed with a special “media membrane” facade that acts as a screen for projecting news, updates and current matches. The stadium will be downsized to its current capacity after the tournament.

Al-Khor Stadium WorldCup2022 Qatar

Al-Khor is a brand new 45,330-capacity stadium with a stunning seashell motif and a flexible roof. The permanent lower tier seats 25,500 and the modular upper tier seats 19,830. The stadium offers spectators a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf from their seats and will be located in a sports and recreation zone.

Al-Khor Stadium WorldCup2022 Qatar

Al-Gharafa Stadium 2022 Qatar

The existing 21,175 capacity Al-Gharafa stadium will be expanded to 44,740 seats using modular elements forming an upper tier. The facade will be made up of ribbons representing the nations that qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will symbolize football and the mutual friendship, tolerance and respect that the tournament represents. The stadium will be downscaled to its existing capacity after the tournament ends.

Al-Gharafa Stadium 2022 Qatar

Katara to present show by Jonas Kaufmann Doha Qatar

Katara to present show by Jonas Kaufmann

 

Katara will present Jonas Kaufmann and maestro Rieder in a rare performance on February 29 at the indoor Opera House (Building 16). The event is scheduled for 8pm.
While the concert was planned to take place at the open air amphitheatre, Katara has made the decision to move the concert indoors to the Opera House due to the weather forecast indicating a windy and cloudy week ahead.

Dr Emad Sultan, cultural affairs director, Katara, said: “We are bringing the best of music and cultures under one roof and are proud to host Jonas Kaufmann and maestro Rieder in our world-class facilities. Katara is providing a platform for aspiring artists and musicians as well as introducing Qatar to world renowned talents. This initiative contributes to the overall vision to educate and entertain whilst building cultural bridges.”
Jonas Kaufmann is recognised internationally as one of the most important artists of our day, and has received the highest acclaim in the world’s greatest opera houses, on the concert platform, and in recital.

Commanding an unusually wide repertoire of varying periods, styles and languages, Kaufmann’s debut as Lohengrin in Munich’s new production were met with the highest critical and public acclaim as were his first performances of Massenet’s Werther in 2010 at the Paris Opera.
Kaufmann has since sung Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, La Scala, Milan, Deutsche Oper Berlin, as well as in Munich and Zurich.

German conductor Jochen Rieder began his professional career at the Badisches Staastheater in Karlsruhe as well at the Bremen Opera. He collaborated with the Opernhaus Zurich and worked with the Theatre du Chatelet and the Opera National in Paris.

Rieder recently conducted Rachminanov’s Symphony Number 2 with the Hofer Symphoniker. In Zurich he joined the Zurich Kammerorchester for the premiere and recording of Schacher’s Die Wilden Scwaene.Katara, the Cultural Village hosted Kaufmann’s fellow musicians Maestro Daniel Barenboim and Soprano Angela Gheorghiu who played at the spectacular grand opening of the Amphitheatre with world renowned Greek composer Vangelis.

Tickets can still be purchased from Virgin Mega Stores at both The Landmark and Villaggio outlets. Customers who have already bought tickets will be allocated the best Opera House seating to ensure they enjoy an exclusive and rewarding experience. For any questions regarding the seating arrangements, customers can call 4408 0978.

Drummers raise a storm of applause in Doha Qatar

Drummers raise a storm of applause in Doha Qatar

In mesmeric performances that will remain etched in the memories of the audiences forever, the internationally-acclaimed Japanese Taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi and his troupe marked their Middle East premiere in Doha.
 
The concerts, ‘Taiko Legend – Heart Beat from Japan’, on Wednesday and yesterday at Katara Drama Theatre saw the spellbound audiences rising to honour the artistes with standing ovations on a number of occasions.
 
Hayashi, 60, who has been performing across the world for over four decades, electrified the stage with Japanese flute player Makoto Takei and four of the top young taiko drummers from the Fu-Un no Kai team – Shuichiro Ueda, Mikita Hase, Makoto Tashiro and Tasuku Tsuji.
 
The performances, a part of Qatar Japan 2012 - a celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between the countries - were hosted by the Japanese embassy, the Japan Foundation and Katara.
The 90-minute concerts began with the traditional ‘Ichiban Taiko/Chakuto’ or the first sound of the massive, 300kg O-Daiko (big drum), created by the master drummer, who was subsequently joined by Takei on his flute and the young drummers.
 
The prowess of Hayashi, credited with developing a unique and emotive O-Daiko solo style, which leaps beyond traditional Taiko drum performances in technique, physical stamina and expressive range, was very much evident right from the first beats that soon gave way to a medley of sounds spanning the full spectrum.
He moved on to the self-composed ‘Mitsumai’ (Three dances), along with Takei, to a set of smaller drums (Shimedaiko), arranged in similar fashion like jazz drums but played in a totally different style, and created folk festive music.
 
The tempo quickened with the next two pieces - ‘Umino Hojo’ (Abundance of the Ocean) composed by Hayashi and ‘Tension’ a creation by Hase – which left the audiences in a trance.
The maestro, on his big drum, was joined by the four young drummers for ‘Umino Hojo’ who pounded five drums - set in a straight line - with acrobatic movements, creating a visually stunning performance as well.
The drums were the symbols of small islands across the Setonaikai inland sea and the drummers as the bridges across the islands or as the people who inhabit them.
 
‘Tension,’ which featured the four young drummers, produced a whole gamut of percussion sounds, ranging from the faintest murmur to lightning fast beats to the accompaniment of rhythmic and graceful movements.
A mellifluous flute solo by Takei followed, the soothing, tranquil music calming the racing heart beats of the audiences, a result of the two previous pieces.
 
By then it was time for the final piece, ‘Mio no Hasu Suite’ (A lotus flower along the water channel), featuring Hayashi and the Fu-Un no Kai.
 
With the life story of Takumi Asakawa, a forestry scholar from the period of Japanese colonisation of Korea as the theme, it was made up of independent pieces.
The Japanese ambassador Kenjiro Monji and Hayashi gave brief remarks.

Source from GulfTimes

What to do In Doha Qatar

Doha City Qatar

Ask Qataris which part of their country they are most proud of and they will say Doha, a city known for its spectacular modern buildings, the spectacular Al-Corniche, rapid economic expansion barely brooked by the global recession, fabulous shopping malls and international sports tournaments. Here’s how to get the most from 24 hours in Doha.

Absorb the best of Doha by promenading the corniche, the city’s sparkling seafront, and enjoy watching the stellar skyline dance in the heat. Al-Corniche is unquestionably the highlight of the capital. Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent, along which run shaded footpaths and cycling tracks. One great way to gain an introduction to the city is to begin at the Ras Abu Abboud St Flyover at the southeastern end of the corniche and either walk or drive around to the Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort, looking out for prominent landmarks.

Corniche Doha Qatar

Cool down at the Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha’s priceless treasure house. Rising from its own purpose-built island, this monumental museum, designed by the renowned architect IM Pei (architect of the Louvre’s pyramid), is shaped like a postmodern fortress, with minimal windows and a ‘virtual’ moat. With an avenue of palm trees extending along the approach road from the corniche, it makes a bold statement about a capital that has matured into one of the most culturally-engaged cities in the region.

Islamic Art Museum Doha Qatar

The museum houses the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, collected from three continents. Exquisite textiles, ceramics, enamel work and glass are showcased conceptually: a single motif, for example, is illustrated in the weave of a carpet, in a ceramic floor tile or adapted in a piece of gold jewellery in neighbouring display cases, allowing visitors to gain a sense of the homogeneity of Islamic art.

This is the kind of museum that is so rich in treasure that it rewards short, intense visits. Pace yourself by visiting the café downstairs or punctuate your visit with a browse in the extensive museum shop to avoid sensory overload. You won’t be able to see everything in the museum, but you will have enjoyed an exquisite taste.
Had enough of priceless antiquities?  Seek out gems of a different kind among the pots and pans, silks and spices, and bargain bunnies for sale in Souq Waqif, a wonderful place to explore. There has been a souq on this site for centuries, as this was the spot where the Bedouin would bring their sheep, goats and wool to trade for essentials. It grew into a scruffy warren of concrete alleyways in recent years but now its tourist potential has been recognised and it’s been cleverly redeveloped to look like a 19th-century souq, with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams.

Souq Waqif Doha Qatar

By this point you will have worked up an appetite. Pause for pomegranate juice in Arabian-style Al-Mourjan Restaurant and watch the sun put a glint in the eye of Doha’s pretty bay.

If you’re not in need of food, recharge by the beach at InterContinental Doha which has a reputation for high quality service without the attitude. Once your energy returns, hit the night running at the convivial hotspot Paloma – or at the city’s equally friendly cool-spot, the City Centre-Doha ice rink. Paloma is considered one of the most lively bars in town, curiously offering live music and Tex-Mex food. The City Centre is a hotspot of family friendly fun, offering ice skating, bowling and wall climbing.

As a destination known more for being a stopover than holiday spot, Qatar does have many diversions to offer the traveller and is a cultured destination refined by centuries of history.

Classic Car Show in Katara Doha Qatar

A great occasion for classic car enthusiasts and admirers to enjoy a journey in the spectacular world of industry, and watch closely art masterpieces, as visitors will come to know more about various types and forms of these amazing antiquities, which bring the memory of old days, and provide narration of a historical epoch.

Classic Car Show in Katara Doha Qatar

1 Mar - 5 Mar 2012

10:00:am - 10:00:pm

Katara Cultural Village

Free Admission

Classic Car Show in Katara Doha Qatar

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Msheireb Properties is engaging Qatar’s residents & seeking their & create a new retail experience in Msheireb Downtown Doha project

Msheireb Properties is engaging Qatar’s residents and seeking their input to create a new retail experience in its flagship Msheireb Downtown Doha project.

Msheireb Downtown Doha project

The property developer is launching an interactive social media competition which will give consumers the chance to make it ‘Your Downtown Doha’ by sharing their favourite retail, dining and entertainment outlets from around the world which they would like to see in Doha. The nominations will be assessed by Msheireb Properties for inclusion in the retail mix.

Msheireb Downtown Doha project

The initiative is part of the company’s effort to engage with the local population and to complement the Msheireb Downtown Doha project’s uniqueness by seeking exclusive retail concepts that are new to the region and that will further add value to the development.

Msheireb Downtown is a QR20 billion (US$5.5 billion) multipurpose development which will comprise more than 100 buildings, including commercial, residential and retail properties as well as buildings devoted to culture and entertainment. Lifestyle and leisure facilities, including premium, innovative shopping destinations, are an integral part of Msheireb Properties’ flagship development, which is regenerating and preserving the historical downtown of Qatar’s capital, Doha.

“What separates Msheireb Downtown from other retail projects in Qatar is our unique approach of integrating shopping with the overall community. We believe that the approach of combining international brands together with more established local retail outlets will allow us to provide residents and visitors alike with a genuine city centre destination that still maintains a unique Qatari flavour,” says Jawaher Al Khuzaei, Manager-Communications, Msheireb Properties.

“In today’s world of phone cameras, instant uploads and interactive online communities, it has  never been easier to share good ideas. Seeing what people think are the best global shopping destinations will ensure we can draw on proven, successful ideas to provide a world-class shopping experience that meets the needs and aspiration of the local population.”

To ensure the retail offerings are truly world class, shoppers are being asked to embrace the ‘Your Downtown Doha’ campaign by getting out their digital cameras and smart phones to ‘snap and share’ their favourite shops, F&B and entertainment outlets from around the world. This could be any well-designed shop, trendy restaurant, cool brand or out-of-the ordinary mall. They can then upload the pictures to Msheireb Properties’ Facebook page with a brief description of why this concept, brand or outlet idea is so suited to Msheireb Downtown Doha. The top ten, as picked by a specialist panel at Msheireb, will then be opened up to the community for a public vote.

One of eight distinct precincts, the Retail Precinct will be the core of Msheireb Downtown’s retail offering and will feature an enclosed retail galleria, a department store, several international flagship stores, as well as a unique children’s area.

The Sikkat al Wadi, a pedestrian shopping district running through the project from Souk Waqif to Kahraba Street, will form the heart of the Lifestyle and Leisure Precinct. It will be a true landmark destination within Doha, offering chic al fresco restaurants, live performance areas, and a mix of niche fashion and accessories boutiques.

Serving high-end consumers, the Luxury Court Precinct, will be home to a range of high-end boutiques, and will offer a selection of the world’s most desirable brands.

from www.aboutqatar.info

Ibrahim al-Haidous and Niladri Kumar, who performed together last night,highlighting the way in which music can cross cultural boundaries

The universal language of music has the ability to transcend cultural divisions and promote mutual understanding in a unique way, according to two of the musicians taking part in the ‘Global Fusion’ concert this evening.

Ibrahim al-Haidous and Niladri Kumar, who performed together highlighting the way in which music can cross cultural boundaries

The concert, organised by Bank Sarasen-Alpen and Alpen Capital, brings together musicians and artistes from all over the world, showcasing their musical traditions, but also demonstrating how they can be brought together for a common purpose.

The leader of the group is Indian musician, Niladri Kumar, a sitar player known for his unusual style of music called ‘Sitar Funk.’ He developed the style while touring during his younger days, and he spoke about some of the experiences he had in a number of western countries, highlighting the impact that his music had on people who may otherwise not have heard a sitar in their lives.

“To be very honest I think it is probably the only and the best medium in today’s times, where if you want to have a collaborative effort between people from different cultures and parts of the world, music is probably the shortest and most common language spoken in the world,” he said.

Music removes so many of the obstacles to communication and understanding, and musicians tend to have a sensibility which helps them show compassion and empathise with other people as well, argued Kumar.
“It’s not easy-to-do music which is meaningful to everybody, but it’s not impossible,” he said, explaining that the high level of musicians involved in the concert means that working together and combining the very different sounds is both possible and successful.
He encouraged young people in Qatar to get involved with music, to help them develop their personal skills: “You learn about life, you earn about communication skills, you learn about emoting your feelings through the only medium you know, which is music.” Kumar has been to Qatar on a number of occasions in the past, and has enjoyed each visit so far.

“Here it is a special crowd, with an eclectic mix of people and cultures, and they have an idea of what to expect and they also don’t know what not to expect, so this is a special place,” he added.

Qatar is being represented in the concert by the well known oud player, Ibrahim al-Haidous who also spoke about the way he has seen different cultures being brought together through the appreciation of music.

Al-Haidoos has been playing the oud for some 47 years, and has amassed a large number of television and radio performances during that time, which has also seen him perform his music to audiences around the world.
However, he expressed his concern that fewer young people seem to be interested in taking up the traditional Arabic instrument these days, and are instead more interested in singing.

He hopes to see this change in the future, but was unsure how to create this shift in interest, except to explain that he has enjoyed being a musician and all the wonderful experiences to which it has led.

Al-Haidous said that he was pleased to see the emphasis that the local authorities are placing on culture, and expressed gratitude at the way in which they are supporting his career.

He also said that he was very pleased to be taking part in the event, and was enjoying the opportunity to play alongside musicians and instruments of which he has no prior experience.

“It is very good,” he said, highlighting the Alphorn as one of his favourite new instruments.This is a great group, and it is very interesting bringing together these musicians and instruments from different backgrounds, he added.

Source from GulfTimes

Between Two Cultures International Exhibition in Katara Doha Qatar

Two Cultures International Exhibition in Katara Doha Qatar

Two Cultures International Exhibition in Katara Doha Qatar

The Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage, Culture & Arts Department, Visual Art Section, has the pleasure to invite you to attend The Opening ceremony of Between Two Cultures exhibition, Monday 27 of February 2012 at 7:00 p.m

The exhibition continue until March 6, 2012.

27 Feb - 6 Mar 2012

09:00:am - 09:00:pm

Visual Art Center - Blg 19

Free Admission

View Katara Cultural Village in a larger mapFromwww.aboutqatar.info

Cvstos brings unique watches to Doha show

A rich array of watchmakers and jewellers from the countries in Europe, the Middle East and the US are showcasing their latest creations at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, which began at the Doha Exhibition Center yesterday.

Sirmakes poses with a PSG jersey at the Cvstos booth at Alfardan Jewellery pavilion

One of them is Cvstos - the Time Keeper, which has brought two different lines of unique watches - namely the Jetliners and the customised watches for Paris Saint German (PSG) - to the exhibition.
During Spring 2004, Cvstos co-founder and chief executive officer Sassoun Sirmakes decided to branch out and create Cvstos, an independent brand, by teaming up with one highly talented partner - Antonio Terranova.

Taken directly from the Latin for “guardian”, the name Cvstos was freely inspired by the boundless creativity of an exceptional team of complementary talents, each one fired by a burning passion to produce one-of-a-kind timepieces.

Illustrating a powerful holistic concept, the Cvstos style embraces a particularly modern approach to design, one that manifests itself in the perfect balance between traditional watchmaking and state-of-the-art innovation.

“Custodian of a new watchmaking era with a firm eye on the future, Cvstos proposes a comprehensive line of creations, ranging from an automatic movement with twin time zone and instantaneous calendar through to an exceptional minute repeater tourbillon sport, the jewel in the Concept-S crown, which adds an ultra-contemporary, yet sporty dimension to the most sophisticated traditional watchmaking complications,” Sirmakes yesterday explained.

 According to him, Cvstos, which is participating in the DJWE for the second time, has brought the two lines of exquisite watches to Qatar to woo sports lovers as well as those who love classics and technical watches.

“Our watches are useful watches in that they are very sporty and yet light, better and precise and our creations are made with the best quality materials such as one of the watches we are showcasing here is made of a gold mix with titanium and heat-resistant leather for straps. One of the Jetliners, specially designed for Qatar, is made with diamond pieces and the majority of our watches are see through,” he explained.
Some of the watches cost $9,000-13,000, he said.

On a purchase of any of the PSG branded watch, a buyer will receive one autographed jersey by  PSG players as souvenir.

Cvstos, whose focus is presently on producing men’s watches, plans to start making technical watches for ladies soon, he disclosed.

from GulfTimes

Sultan Al Jassim Photography Exhibition in Katara Doha Qatar

A Vintage Black and White Photography exhibition with works documenting various sports practiced in Doha, Qatar from the fifties to the seventies.

Exhibited are rare photographs of the most important players and sports personalities in Qatar during this period.
Sultan Jassim Sultan is a vintage sports photography collector, and throughout decades has build up his collection with important documental photos, some of which a part of this exhibition.

Sultan Al Jassim Photography

 

 

 

14 Feb - 29 Feb 2012

10:00:am - 10:00:pm

Katara Art Center, Bldg 5

Free Admission

 

View Katara Cultural Village in a larger map

Understanding Islam

FANAR, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center

 

WHAT IS ISLAM?

Islam is the belief in one God, translated into Arabic as Allah. He is one Supreme Being without shape and form that we can comprehend.
In the Arabic language, the word Islam has many meanings. It comes from the root of ‘Islam’ is described literally as meaning ‘submission’, ‘surrender’, ‘peace’ and ‘safety’.

Salaam is also known as one of Allah’s attributes. A Muslim is a person who submits himself to the worship of Allah, therefore making all those who believed in the original message of the oneness of God Muslim; including all the Prophets, from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus to Mohammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all).

Islam has come as a mercy to mankind with a book of guidance called the Qur`an, the word of Allah – revealed 1400 years ago and unchanged ever since.

This book, along with the teachings of the final Messenger Muhammed, shows all of humanity how to behave in the way commanded by the Creator in all aspects life, both material and spiritual.

In Islam the relationship between humankind and the environment is based on the fact that everything on earth worships Allah.
This worship is not merely ritual practice, but translated into actions; which means it is part of the belief of the Muslim to not damage the environment. Moreover, humans are responsible for the welfare and sustenance of the other inhabitants of this global environment, as the animal and plant kingdoms can not damage or destroy their environments.

ISLAMIC ART

“God is Beautiful and Loves Beauty”

so said Prophet Mohammad some 1400 years ago. He also said,
“God likes that when you do anything, you do it excellently.” (Reported by Muslim)
Such Prophetic sayings have provided the impetus for the Muslim’s beautifcation and adornment of their places of worship, homes, and even of articles in common use in everyday life. Islamic architecture and decorative arts are still very much alive and valued in many parts of the Muslim world.
Islamic art developed a unique character, utilising a number of primary forms: geometric, arabesque, foral, and calligraphic, which are often interwoven. From early times, Muslim art has refected a balanced, harmonious world-view.
Muslims are convinced of the balance and harmony of all things in existence. Nothing occurs randomly or by chance, for all is part of the plan of the All-Wise, Most Merciful Planner.
Some essentials of Islamic art are:

• Islamic art seeks to portray the meaning and essence of things, rather than just their physical form.
• Crafts and decorative arts are elevated to the status of art.
• Calligraphy is a major form of art in Islam.
• Intricate geometrical and floral patterns play an enormous role in Islamic art.
• Islamic art involves all types of art, not just explicitly religious art.

 CALLIGRAPHY

Because of the Muslim’s profound respect and love for the Qur`an, the art of calligraphy was developed early on and reached a very high degree.

Throughout the Muslim world, Qur’anic verses beautify masjids, palaces, homes, businesses, and some public areas. Often calligraphy is done in conjunction with decorative motifs, lovingly embellishing what is most sacred and precious.
Over the centuries, many scripts have evolved in various regions of the Muslim world. The main Arabic calligraphy styles are:

CALLIGRAPHY (Ceramic Art)

 

KUFIC

Kufc is more or less a square and angular script, characterised by its heavy, bold, and lapidary style. Its letters are generally thick and it is suitable for writing on stone or metal, for painting or engraving inscriptions on the walls of mosques, and for the lettering on coins.

 

NASKH

Naskh is perhaps the most popular script in the Arab world. It is a cursive script based on certain laws governing the proportions between the letters. Naskh is legible and clear and was adapted as the preferred style for typesetting and printing. It evolved into innumerable styles and varieties, including the ta’liq, the riqa’, and the diwani, and became the parent of the modern Arabic script.

 

THULUTH

This is the most important of all the ornamental scripts and is considered the king of styles. It is usually used in write headings, religious inscriptions, and princely titles and epigraphs.

 

TA'LIQ

Designed specifcally to meet the needs of the Persian language and is still used widely in Iran, Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent. Ta’liq is a fuid and elegant script.

 

THE DIWANI

Excessively cursive and highly structured with its letters unconventionally joined together with no vowel marks. It was developed during the reign of the early Ottoman Turks (16th -early 17th century). There are other less common types of calligraphy, but by no means less beautiful. For examples being Riq`a, Muhaqqaq, Rayhani, Ijaza and Moroccan.

ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of the Islamic world

The architecture of the Islamic world throughout history was strengthened by its spiritual foundation, the Qur`an.
Urban areas in Islamic cities evolved over long periods of time with generations of craftsmen whose experience added variety to the environment.

The traditional city linked the architecture of madrassa (Islamic schools), the souq (market place), the palace and the home together with the mosque at the centre, to create beauty throughout our towns.
The masjids (mosques) and palaces became with time, more elaborate in decoration and design, with great leaps in architecture, from the concepts of the dome which allowed a large open prayer area, to the inscriptions in the masjids, glorifying Allah.

One common theme is the general absence of human and animal form in architecture. You will fnd the beautifcation instead, centres on the words, text and script, praising Allah through the use of calligraphy.

A typical Islamic house would have certain features; such as hidden courtyards to protect the family life from people outside and the harsh environment. You would fnd the outside of the house very plain with the concentration on the inside of the house. Over time, the house would be extended to accommodate the needs of a growing family – often with separate houses being built within one compound for the extended family.