The Museum of Islamic Art and its contribution to the Afghan refugees
The first project of Qatar Museums, the Museum of Islamic Art was established in 2008. It displays Qatar’s international collection of Islamic art, which includes multiple pieces, some of which date back about 1,400 years. The museum’s program is characterized by diversity and constant renewal, in addition to organizing educational activities for families and children, making it a vital part of the community. The Museum of Islamic Art also played a major role in addressing the Afghan refugee crisis, organizing exhibitions in cooperation with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Afghan refugees also received support from 15 local organizations and institutions, in the form of artistic workshops, academic programs, health care, psychological support, cultural events, sports training, and various educational opportunities. The Museum of Islamic Art contributed to these activities.
Safar exhibition
The exhibition was organized from October 24, 2022 to January 24, 2023, in partnership with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to highlight the experiences of Afghan refugees, the history of Afghanistan and its strategic location. Videos, photographs, and storyboards were used to address the themes. The exhibition also discussed Qatari support for Afghanistan and the relationship that has brought the two countries together over the past thirty years.
The artworks in the exhibition, created by both adults and children, demonstrated the cultural support received by Afghan refugees, as musical and artistic activities contributed to enhancing the well-being of evacuees.
At the opening ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister, spoke about how the exhibition embodies the journey of tens of thousands of Afghans from Afghanistan through Doha until they reach their final destinations. He also mentioned that the exhibition is an affirmation of Qatar’s firm commitment to humanitarian work at the global level.
Similarly, artistic workshops were organized for Afghan refugee families in Qatar, for different ages and groups, for a period of three months, to provide them with artistic skills and help them express themselves through drawing.
Through such tireless efforts, the Museum of Islamic Art has been utilized to provide appropriate cultural and artistic support to Afghan refugees.