A unique exhibition at Katara – the Cultural Village showcases the rich culture and heritage of Qatar and 14 other countries through a variety of traditional handicrafts and products. The first and recently opened International Handicrafts and Traditional Productions Cultural Market, being held at Katara buildings 45,47 and 48, has also brought together some of the best Doha-based artisans and those from other countries who are showcasing their works until March 2021.
According to Katara, the four-month-long event, which forms part of its heritage programmes year-round, reflects its keenness to support, promote, and revive traditional crafts in the country. Expatriate communities from Syria, Sudan, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Ukraine, Turkey, Spain, Iran, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Singapore, as well as correctional institutions in Qatar, are participating in the exhibition.
Some of the products on display include Moroccan-made leather bags and sandals, traditional Qatari jewellery boxes, Sudanese baskets and boxes, metal and ceramic vases, textiles, furniture, embroidery, bracelets and necklaces, souvenirs, and other items made of different materials such as wood, brass, ceramics and glass. Paintings and other artworks are also on show in some of the stalls.
Iranian artisan Ali Reza Esafahani told 'Gulf Times' that the exhibition serves as a platform to promote not only Iranian and other products and talents but also highlight the diversity of cultures in the country. “This is an excellent event, a melting pot of cultures, and it is attracting many enthusiasts of hand-made and high-quality traditional items,” he said.
Esafahani is displaying a wide range of handcrafted and beautifully-designed Persian carpets and rugs, as well as traditional vases and home decors at his booth.
He also participated in the third edition of Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition at Katara in October, which highlighted handicraft industries of Sudan, Iran, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Syria, Palestine, Morocco and Qatar. The Handicraft Gallery (building 48) displayed many Qatari-made items such as batoola of various designs, dolls and accessories, traditional boxes, souvenirs and miniature dhows, among other products.
Katara, in a press statement, underscored the importance of organising such exhibitions that aim to support artisans and protect handicrafts from extinction, passing them on to the new generation. The exhibition also contributes to country’s economic growth and in advancing the handicraft industry in Qatar, Katara added.


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