Doha embraces its year as Arab Culture Capital title

By Nasser El Ghanem in Doha
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-05-14

[NASSER EL GHANEM/Al-Shorfa] Iraq's Al-Basra dance troupe performs at the Qatar National Theatre.

When Doha started its year as the 2010 Arab Culture Capital, its aim was to show the region that while it might have a small geographic presence, it exerts a large cultural influence.

Since festivities started in late January, the city has featured a variety of arts and culture activities, including fine arts, poetry recitals, film festivals and public book readings. The Arab culture weeks, where different Arab countries present various activities that reflect that their heritage, have been one of the most prominent, and most popular, parts of the agenda.

The culture weeks started with Syria, featuring literature, art, TV production activities and discussions.

A talk on Syrian soap operas and art was noteworthy. Diana Jabour, director-general of Syrian TV, said that "since its launch in 1950s, Syrian TV was an effective tool that had an impact on audiences."

She praised the Syrian TV and art productions, especially Syrian comedy. "Comedy has always been a sort of witty drama, without sarcasm or clowning. It relied on criticism through humour, touching on the essence of the issues. This made it hugely popular in the Arab world."

Egyptian culture week also had a distinct flavour. The presence of a huge Egyptian community in the Qatari capital, estimated at around 150,000, contributed to the success of the event.

Mubarak Ben Naser al-Khalifa, the Qatari deputy minister of culture, arts and heritage said the Egyptian presentations were remarkable, diverse and deep, and that they had added much to the Arab Culture Capital 2010 for Doha.

In an attempt to connect the eastern region of the Arab world with its western half, the Moroccan culture week highlighted Moroccan music. The Gnawa folk music band performed three concerts.

Moroccans also offered several films for viewing. These included "White Rose Stem", a feature film by Houcine Zainoun, "Ruby" by jamal Belmajdoub, "The View" by Noureddine El Khemari, "el Rrakid" by director Yasmine Qasari, and "Looking for a Husband for My Wife" by Abderrahmane Al-Tazi. In addition, folk music concerts were organised by Obeidat al-Rama, Al-Rokba, Aichata Girls for Hassani melodies.

From Iraq, the Al-Basra troupe, the popular national dance group, and artists from both Iraq and abroad contributed to an outstanding cultural week. Shows included Iraqi films, folk dance, fashion show and poetry recitals by Mohamed Al-Khafaji, Monem Al-Fakir and Aref Al-Saadi, and book reading sessions.

Iraqi Culture Minister Maher Delli Ibrahimi said the Iraqi culture week activities mirrored the current conditions of Iraq, despite all of its unnatural circumstances.

He said, "The Iraqi culture week shows the authenticity and immortality of Iraqi culture. We came to Doha to show the deep roots of this live culture that stretches over thousands of years."

Doha cinema theatres showcased a week of Palestinian films, and the Palestinian cause was the thematic focus.

The idea of holding culture weeks created an opportunity for Arab and non-Arab cultures to meet as well. The organising committee has invited non-Arab countries to take part. It is expected that culture weeks from Turkey, Iran and France will be held.

Bookmarking

Please comment on this article so that we can improve the experience of viewing this website.