Msheireb Museums, the art and culture destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, hosted an evocative Poetry Night organised by the French embassy in Qatar and the French Institute, in partnership with Qatar National Library and the Institute du Monde Arabe in Paris.
At the event held at Msheireb Museums – Bin Jelmood House, the "ancient art of maqam music met with the mesmerising lyrical beauty of Arabic poetry" as the two artistes, Aïcha Redouane and Habib Yammine, rendered their recitations to the accompaniment of oud, qanun and nay, a press statement noted.



The cultural night aims to build bridges between nations and people from various cultures and celebrate human art and heritage. The event also underlines the strong interlinkages between the Arab and French cultures and enhances the current ties between Qatar and France that are built on respect and dialogue.
In addition, the Heritage Library of the Qatar National Library displayed a selection of manuscripts, music scores and treaties from the past enabling audiences to learn more about Arabic poetry of the maqam era.
.

.
Dr Hafez Ali, director of Msheireb Museums, said: “Msheireb Museums is honoured to host this important art and cultural event that highlights our literary and musical legacy, which significantly contributed to the human civilisation. We thank all our partners who curated this event highlighting our combined effort to conserve our heritage for current and future generations. Maqam music is one of the most fascinating arts, and we are glad it will be presented in a creative style to help new generations appreciate it.”
Jean-Baptiste Faivre, ambassador of France to Qatar, added: “We were delighted to hold this year’s edition of the Poetry Night under the stars, in Bin Jalmood House’s courtyard. This event, highlighting the richness of Arabic poetic and musical heritage, is a perfect occasion to celebrate once more the strength of Franco-Qatari bonds through culture, thanks to our partners Msheireb Museums and Qatar National Library.”
Related Story