The Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMQ) will hold a series of lectures by leading scholars and specialists on the legacy of Qatar’s influential leader Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani.

The talks are being organised by the NMQ as part of ‘Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani: A Leader’s Legacy exhibition’ at the QMA Gallery, with the support of principal partner ExxonMobil.

Dr Rabia al-Kuwari will speak tomorrow at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. He will highlight the literature and poetry of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim’s era.

Mohamed Ali Abdulla will discuss the methods of conservation and restoration of the Sheikh Abdulla bin Jassim al-Thani artefacts and Old Rayyan Fort on January 20. This lecture will also take place at the MIA auditorium, at 6:30pm.

The exhibition brings to life Qatar’s development with Sheikh Abdullah’s succession to power in 1913 and the start of the modern State of Qatar. It also highlights Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim’s Old Palace - the history of the palace itself, its occupancy by the ruling family, geographical location in the Fareej Al Sulatah or (Sharq) of Doha, and its importance as the centre of rule in Qatar.

Moving into modern times, the exhibit also showcases the transition of a former palace to Qatar’s first museum in 1975, and subsequently displays the ambitious plans of QMA to develop the old palace site into the new NMQ.

As part of the exhibition, the NMQ also offers school tours and activities by professional educators.

 

Turkish envoy hails Katara’s role

Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager, the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, during a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok at Katara yesterday. Dr al-Sulaiti welcomed the ambassador’s plan to hold events highlighting Turkish heritage and culture at Katara. Demirok expressed his appreciation of the role played by Katara in bridging cultures.