Discover Morocco’s Vibrant Legacy At Qatar’s Museum Of Islamic Art In “Splendours Of The Atlas” Exhibition

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art presents “Splendours of the Atlas,” an exhibition celebrating Morocco’s rich heritage and culture, open to visitors until March 8, 2025.

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is delighted to showcase “Splendours of the Atlas: Unveiling Morocco’s Heritage,” a fascinating exhibition open to visitors through March 8, 2025. This showcase, a feature of the the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, unveils around 200 remarkable artifacts that capture the depth of Morocco’s history, culture, and artistry, reflecting the rich heritage that continues to inspire Moroccan society. The opening event welcomed Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Years of Culture initiative, alongwith Princess Lalla Hasna from Morocco.Princess Lalla Hasna.

The exhibit includes significant pieces from Moroccan cultural institutions, such as the National Foundation of Museums and the National Library of Rabat, marking their debut display in Qatar. Additionally, visitors can view unique items from the collections of Qatar Museums, MIA, and the soon-to-open Lusail Museum. Curated by Curated by Dr.Curated by Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Islamic Art, “Splendours of the Atlas” delivers a rich and immersive journey into Moroccan culture.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said, “We are extraordinarily fortunate to partner with institutions across Morocco for our Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, which will greatly expand the ability of Qataris and those living in Qatar to gain insight into the grand Islamic traditions of our neighbor in North Africa. Our shared commitment to scholarship, scientific discovery, and artistic excellence has created a fertile basis for this year’s rich Year of Culture program.”

As part of Years of Culture’s mission to foster lasting connections between Qatar and other nations, the exhibition is arranged into thematic sections:

• Faces of Morocco: Landscapes and Society – A captivating display of photography by Bruno Barbey, Irving Penn, Lalla Essaydi, Mous Lamrabat, and Mounir Raji, showcasing Morocco’s diverse terrains and communities.
• The Essence of Morocco: Kings, Saints, and Scholars – This segment delves into Morocco’s dynastic past, honoring its legacy of leadership and deep spiritual roots.
• Woven Traditions: The Artisanal Craft of Morocco – Celebrating Morocco’s skilled craftsmanship, this section showcases the cultural depth of traditional artisanal techniques from diverse regions.
• Traditional Sounds of Morocco – Featuring a collection of musical instruments, this section highlights the variety in Moroccan music, from Andalusian city tunes to the evocative gnawa sounds of the South.

The final segment celebrates contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship through seven commissioned artworks by Noureddine Amir. These abstract pieces, inspired by traditional crafts, are suspended from the gallery ceiling, blending heritage with a modern artistic perspective.

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