(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: A Qatari family has returned to the historic house at Education City that bears their name as plans by Qatar Foundation to preserve it as a space for cultural exchange get under way.
Reflecting its commitment to preserving Qatari culture, heritage, and identity -including through buildings at Education City that occupy a central place in the story of Qatar - Qatar Foundation (QF) is restoring Al Khater House as a location for sustainable, inclusive cultural heritage activities and experiences for people of all ages, while retaining its authenticity and historical value. The first of these will take place within the house during QF's upcoming D'reesha Performing Arts Festival.
Members of the Al Khater family yesterday attended an event where, together with representatives from QF member Qur'anic Botanic Garden, they planted a variety of Qatari plants at Al Khater House as a symbol of its revival. As the plans for the restoration of the building move forward, Qatar National Library's Heritage Program will undertake a project to document the oral history of the house, those who lived there, and their lifestyles.
H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdelaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, welcomed Qatar Foundation's plans for preserving historic buildings at Education City, which he described as an important part of Qatar's heritage.“They provide important evidence of the history of urban civilization in the region,” he said.“We are keen to transfer this heritage to a new generation, and are pleased to announce today that Al Khater House is the first of the heritage structures to be activated, highlighting Qatar Foundation's vision for preserving heritage sites at Education City.”
Rashid Al Khater, a member of the family whose name Al Khater House bears, said:“I was born in this house and lived my childhood there, and I have beautiful memories of it.
“I feel very happy when I see the efforts of Qatar Foundation in preserving this house and its heritage. Over the years, it has become a reflection of Qatari history.”
Al Khater family member Aisha bint Mohammed bin Fahd Al Khater said:“It's wonderful that the past and present is blended in one location here at Education City, and I am very happy and grateful that Qatar Foundation is making these efforts because of its commitment to preserving national heritage. I thank everyone concerned in preserving our family home.” Al Khater House is one of a number of heritage sites within Education City, all of which QF is making similar preservation plans for.
The event was held ahead of the second edition of the D'reesha Performing Arts Festival, which will take place from December 11 to 17 at Oxygen Park and Al Khater House and celebrate performing arts alongside Arab culture, language, and heritage, through music, theatre, poetry, storytelling, education, science, and more.