History being forgotten, says artist Tuesday, 18 May 2010 06:55

By William Ruthi

DOHA: To listen to Mohamad Ali Abdulla describe his work and passion is to step back into time; to fortresses and dusty streets and voices in the market. And then when he launches into his creation — the relic that is Souq Waqif, it’s easy to understand why the project is a labour of love. It is art, and history and an unalloyed love for both.

“We are at a time when it’s getting nostalgic to look at a black and white photograph, and know that history is quickly getting forgotten. Over the last 60 years, especially after oil replaced native trade and with the infiltration of various cultures, Qatari history somehow faded”.

Abdulla was speaking yesterday evening at a dinner hosted for him by the College of the North Atlantic — Qatar’s Small Business Club at the Diplomatic Club.

This was in keeping with the college’s policy of instilling in students, through various clubs the importance of art and business in life, in and outside of school. Various officials from the college, students and art aficionados attended. Reliving the history of Doha and of the Souq Waqif, Abdulla, who is also an accomplished author and illustrator underscored the importance of preserving and recreating the past, especially now when modernisation is quickly eclipsing history.

“When we started the Souq Waqif project six years ago, it was important for us to recreate the past as best as we knew it, through photographs taken decades ago and stories from elders”, he said.

“Seventy five percent of the building material used is the same that the original buildings on the site were made of; teak wood and the coral substance known as ‘Froosh’. Fifty years from now, we want history enthusiasts to feel history as it was”.

Speaking during the event, Enid Strickland, President of College of North Atlantic — Qatar said: “We want our students to cherish and appreciate Qatari history and culture through the various clubs that we have. As an institution, we are glad to be involved in this event”.

The Peninsula

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