By Anand Holla


Humans have been hunter-gatherers from time immemorial, and ever since, the human species around the globe has continued hunting for food, sport or rewards.
Clearly, hunting has had a tremendous impact upon landscapes and ecologies, and has both preserved and destroyed whole species of animals and birds.
Throughout the Islamic world, the act of hunting, rich with symbolism and pageantry, was – and in some places, still continues to be – an essential element in the lifestyle of rulers. This is also why images of the hunt are commonly found in Islamic art, whether in lavishly illustrated manuscripts, inlaid metalwork or colourful ceramics.
“Closely connected to this are other representations of the ‘good king’ playing polo, fighting his enemies, and leading great feasts,” the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) points out as it prepares to throw open a definitive collection on the subject.
From September 16, 2015, to January 9, 2016, a new exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), titled “The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands” is set to wow the visitors. “Frequently commissioned and exhibited for royal display, such artworks will show the visitor how sultans and caliphs showed their power and bravery,” the MIA concludes in its note on the exhibition.
Meanwhile, a tailor-made programme for those keen on savouring some of the finest historical places and exhibitions in Qatar, all by themselves, has been unveiled by Qatar Museums (QM). Their Spring/Summer 2015 Self-Guided Tours offer a range of tours that you can take of their heritage sites, museums and exhibitions. The tours have been smartly devised as two-hour, three-hour, four-hour or six-hour self-guided tours.
As for MIA this summer, it is hosting educational activities including talks and tours, family activities, library activities, activities for schools, calligraphy workshops and art workshops.
For instance, if you like to do a mini art walk, try the Walk In Gallery Tours every Thursday and Saturday, 2pm, as museum guides will treat you to a tour of MIA’s stunning collection of Islamic Art objects, stretching over 1,400 years and three continents. These are available in Arabic and English, and the tours will run at 9pm during Ramadan.
For Science in Art Tours every Wednesday at 2pm, join museum guides for a tour of scientific instruments and themes through the collection. This is also available in Arabic and English, and will run at 9pm during Ramadan.
As for the round of family activities this summer, check out Tales from the Islamic World, which will take place on June 26 and July 10 at 9pm and 10pm.
Explore the “Marvellous Creatures: Animal Fables in Islamic Art” exhibition with your family and join a special 30-minute story time inside the exhibition gallery to hear ancient fables from One Thousand and One Nights, and the Shahnameh, run in partnership with Children’s Literature Club. Suitable for younger children, this event is in Arabic.
Join the interactive story session and hands-on craft activity of Animal Fables in Action on June 20, 3pm to 4:30pm, run in partnership with Maktaba. Suitable for children aged three to seven years, this event is in English.