Sidra, the light of Qatar

When summer paves way for winter, the Sidra (Ziziphus spina-Christi) trees across Qatar bloom to usher in the annual crop of the sought after local delicacy. In the Qatari culture, the Sidra tree is the iconic symbol of the country's heritage. The Sidra has grown in the deserts of Qatar for generations. With roots that reach deep into the earth, fruit and flowers that nourish and leaves that heal, the Sidra became a beacon of comfort in the harsh desert environment, allowing life to flourish. The Sidra also provided shade and shelter to travellers and scholars, who would escape the desert heat, gather together and share knowledge. Over time, the Sidra came to represent nourishment, strength and courage, as well as learning and growth. In the hearts and the minds of the people of Qatar, the Sidra tree exemplifies perseverance, solidarity and determination. For these reasons, the Sidra is featured as the logo of the Qatar Foundation, and inspired the facade of the Qatar National Convention Centre. The Sidra structure that fronts the building is 250m wide and five storeys tall. Fruit and leaves from the tree have been used in ancient Arab food and medicine. Modern research has shown that compounds extracted from the tree’s leaves could be used to decrease severe inflammation. Additionally, honey from bees that feed on the tree’s nectar has anti-bacterial properties that inhibit infectious diseases, especially when compared to other types of honey. Seen in the frame are a few branches of a Sidra tree in a Doha backyard, full of blooms and baby fruits and lit up by a streetlight. Picture by Gulf Times news editor Bonnie James.