(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula
Various communities in Qatar participating at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Community Day Event which kicked off at MIA Park yesterday have lauded the latest Qatar Museums (QM) initiative which brings people closer together through a celebration of traditions and cultures of different countries.
The inaugural event, which runs for two days, saw international schools, community groups and embassies from 17 countries take part including Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Morocco, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, China, Tanzania, USA, Canada, Turkey, Afghanistan and Sudan. They give a glimpse into their cultures by showcasing traditional clothing, music, games, books and food, among others.
'This is my first Community Day here and I'm just stunned by the participation from different communities and schools. There is an enormous exchange between the various countries and we hope many visitors come, Dr. Julia Gonnella, Director of MIA, told local media at the event's launch yesterday.
Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of QM and Special Adviser to the Chairperson, attended the opening of the event along with a number of ambassadors and other officials. 'Qatar Museums has taken this initiative to display cultures of different communities here and I'm very happy that Bangladesh School has come up with their cultural exhibition. It will be good for the community and the country as a whole to show traditions and cultures of the countries. I'm very happy of the good arrangement and I wish all the best for this cultural festival, said Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed.
Bangladesh's booth is a showcase of Bangladeshi tradition and culture as well as works of students of Bangladesh MHM School and College. 'We are really proud to be here and we are really grateful to MIA as they have invited us to show our ancient and rich culture and heritage, said Mohammad Jashim Uddin, Principal of Bangladesh MHM School and College.
Philippine International School in Qatar (PISQ) is representing the Philippines at the event with a colourful display of some of the iconic objects, places and festivals in Philippine culture and the arts such as the jeepney, calesa, vinta, Luneta Park and the Masskara Festival of Bacolod. In addition, students presented a medley of Philippine folk dances and traditional games.
'We tried our best to include everything that will showcase the beauty and richness of Philippine culture for others to appreciate, and the visitors are happy about it. We were able to interact with participants from other nationalities, encouraging them to visit the Philippines, said Michelle Reyes, teacher at PISQ.
'It's a good idea for Qatar as a state to organize events like this. It makes the communication and connection between societies of various countries stronger. There lots of nationalities here in Qatar and we have to know each other's cultures , how to live with each other, said Abdel Aziz Al Herbawy of Jordanian School in Qatar.
'Every country taking part in this event comes to show the uniqueness of its culture and traditions and its history which provides good opportunity for cultural connection and exchange. Whoever visits the Jordanian booth will have the chance to know many things about Jordan such as its tourism, economy and rich history and culture, added Al Herbawy. The event, which runs until today, compliments QM's commitment to promote understanding, recognition and appreciation of different cultures, traditions and people in Qatar. QM believes that culture is one of the most effective tools for bringing people closer together, encouraging dialogue and deepening understanding between people.
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