Friday, April 13, 2012
The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
I visited the Museum of Islamic Art during my trip to Doha. This museum boasts one of the largest collections of Islamic Art in the entire world. Islamic art, especially found in mosques, is characterized by floral designs, geometric patterns, and calligraphy from the Quran. The first two features do not hold any symbolism or significance, but rather came out of Islamic rulers' desire to have a unique identity in art. The secular art pieces depict people and animals, and much of the ancient Islamic art is shown on everyday objects and items, including astronomical tools and other scientific equipment.
The museum building itself was designed by I.M. Pei, who also designed the Lourve in France. He designed it using Shamisen stone from France, which is one of the only materials that would be able to withstand the heat and salty water of Doha. The museum is located on its own private island, with a single road connecting it to the main city of Doha.
The museum building itself was designed by I.M. Pei, who also designed the Lourve in France. He designed it using Shamisen stone from France, which is one of the only materials that would be able to withstand the heat and salty water of Doha. The museum is located on its own private island, with a single road connecting it to the main city of Doha.
Weekend in Doha
I visited the lovely county of Qatar, which is a peninsula that shares a border with Saudi Arabia. Although it is only a few hours away by car from Dubai, women cannot drive through Saudi Arabia, and therefore I had to hop on the plane :) Qatar is home to about 2 million people and is ruled by Amir Hamad of the Al Thani royal family. Amazingly, it has the lowest unemployment rate of any country in the entire world.
While in Doha, the capital, I visited the Souq Waqif, an outdoor market with every type of Arabic gift you could think of. For food options, the Souq offers restaurants, shisha bars, and an area with local women cooking traditional food out of unlabelled casserole dishes. Guess where I chose to eat! :)
I also strolled along the beautiful coastline, visited the king's royal stables (open to anyone who wants to come pet the horses!), and visited a monument to the pearling industry which supported Qatar for many years. I ended my trip with a massage at the Sharq Village Spa, modeled after a traditional Qatari Village. All in all, a wonderful weekend away to visit a new country!
While in Doha, the capital, I visited the Souq Waqif, an outdoor market with every type of Arabic gift you could think of. For food options, the Souq offers restaurants, shisha bars, and an area with local women cooking traditional food out of unlabelled casserole dishes. Guess where I chose to eat! :)
I also strolled along the beautiful coastline, visited the king's royal stables (open to anyone who wants to come pet the horses!), and visited a monument to the pearling industry which supported Qatar for many years. I ended my trip with a massage at the Sharq Village Spa, modeled after a traditional Qatari Village. All in all, a wonderful weekend away to visit a new country!
A map of Qatar (its the little brown country :))
The coastline of Doha (also known as the Corniche)
The Souq Waqif- outdoor market
The Pearl Monument, Doha
One of the Ruler's royal horses in the stables across from the palace.
The Sharq Village Spa, modeled after a traditional Qatari Village
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