Offering an exceptional glimpse into two different lifestyles of pre-oil Qatar, a two-day festival is set to open today. 'Henna Ahalha', organised by Embrace Doha, will be a rare treat that will showcase both the moving Bedouin culture and the culture of the settled sea people.
“Many people, even residents here, think that these cultures existed in two different timelines of history,” said Amal Al Shamarri, Chairman and Founder of Embrace Doha, a Qatari organisation aimed at spreading awareness on the traditions, culture and heritage of the country.
“We will show that these cultures of Qatar were co-existent in the same era. Still, the way they lived, their food, even the way they dealt with issues were different. These cultural differences that were existent then are still inherent in the behavioural patterns and many other aspects of the Qatari society even today,” she told The Peninsula.
The two-day Henna Ahalha festival that showcases Qatar’s cultural history will open today at Katara beach area.
Qatar had two lifestyles, with the Bedouins living in the inner deserts and the “ Hadari” or settled coastal lifestyle. Bedouins moved after water, fixing their tents at suitable locations and lived rearing the cattle, which was also the main source of food.
At the same time, coastal areas saw a settled life, with the traditional houses and flourishing trade relations. “The men go to sea, diving for pearls and trading. These seasonal trips would take some six months at sea and many who go do not come back. It was real adventure to collect the pearls, many risking their lives in the process,” she said.
Doha even earlier was a pit stop for traders going on further into the Gulf from India and other part of the world by sea. “Areas like today’s Souq Waqif was a resting point for traders going on to Iraq and Kuwait.”
Though the cultural differences have diminished today, the impact is often felt in their behavioural patterns, according to her. “People who lived in the coastal sides had much contact with people of various cultures. Today we find these people are more open to other cultures as they mix with them on a daily basis and can accept the differences,” she said
Henna Ahalha festival will showcase Qatar’s cultural history, offering interactive cultural experiences that will enhance the value of heritage and pride about national identity.
“Through this festival, we are commemorating the different cultures we had, marking the merging of the tribes in Qatar. We aim to provide cultural content that focuses on expanding cultural knowledge of visitors. We want them to interact and know Qatari traditions and heritage closely,” said Al Shamarri.
Henna Ahalha will showcase the Bedouin lifestyle, with the traditional tents and their nomadic traditions, while coastal lifestyle will be exhibited with their handicrafts and traditional houses.
In addition, the festival will also feature traditional arts, crafts, kids entertainment and games, and apart from main stage performances. Visitors can also enjoy traditional food and have photos taken with traditional Qatari clothing at the photo booth.
The event is organised in collaboration with Katara Cultural Village, Vodafone Qatar, Mema Advertising, Qatar Stars League, and QDVC, among the others.
