As Souq Waqif welcomes residents and tourists seeking a cultural escape from the summer heat, potter Sameh Farag continues a tradition that began long before Qatar’s modern skyline.
Along the corridor of Souq Waqif’s trade centre leading to Farag’s store, 18 of 20 souvenir shops sell products manufactured in other countries.
Holding onto the traditional spirit the market represents, his workshop is filled exclusively with handmade pottery.
“My friend and I, and others from Egypt, were sent to work in Qatar and make handicrafts with clay, glass and any material,” Farag said, explaining that the aim was to reduce reliance on manufactured goods in souvenir shops.
Since arriving in Qatar 15 years ago, he has channelled his artistry through the cultures of both his adopted home and his birthplace.
Traditional Qatari symbols sit alongside familiar Egyptian figures, reflecting the cultural influences that define his work.
Farag’s pottery practice comes from a long line of craftsmen in his family.
Growing up, he watched his father work with clay, learning the same techniques his grandfather had passed down.
“I am continuing what they started, shaping clay the same way they did, but in a new place,” Farag said.
With Souq Waqif remaining a key destination for visitors seeking a glimpse of Qatar’s heritage, the potter hopes his craftsmanship will continue to be part of that experience, where handmade work can stand out amid the growing presence of mass-produced goods.
