The Photography Journey, part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, features Qatar-based photographers documenting Morocco’s endangered cultural practices. With the theme “The Fading Traditions of Morocco,” this initiative aims to raise awareness and foster cultural preservation. Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla will explore key cultural sites, sharing their experiences and insights, culminating in exhibitions that highlight the significance of cultural heritage.
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture initiative has kicked off its popular cultural exchange program known as the Photography Journey, which aims to foster a deeper understanding between nations through a focus on the theme “The Fading Traditions of Morocco.” This year’s program features two distinguished Qatar-based photographers: Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla. Together, they will explore and document Morocco’s invaluable cultural and heritage sites, focusing on practices that are at risk of fading into obscurity. Organized in conjunction with the Tasweer Photo Festival and the Generation Amazing Foundation, the journey underscores the importance of cultural preservation and highlights the significance of safeguarding the unique aspects of Morocco’s rich national identity. At just 19 years of age, Jana Islam Almallah is not only a Youth Advocate for the Generation Amazing Foundation but also a dedicated student of communication at the University of Doha for Science and Technology. Her dual commitment to photography and sport, particularly in promoting opportunities for women and girls in athletics, underscores her passion for the arts and social advocacy. Aisha Samir Alabdulla, known for her impactful photographic work documenting Qatar’s civil servants, holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Qatar University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Defense Diplomacy at the Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies. Both photographers expressed their enthusiasm for the journey. Ms. Almallah stated, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help raise awareness of some of Morocco’s most precious cultural traditions and practices, which are at risk of extinction. We want to bring to life these traditions and play a small part, we hope, in preserving them for the next generation.” Meanwhile, Ms. Alabdulla remarked, “Capturing special moments in time has been a privilege. I appreciate the trust offered to me by the subjects of my work and am eager to be part of such an incredible opportunity.” Leading this initiative is Khalifa Al Obaidly, a photographer and educator who serves as the Director of Artist in Residence and the Tasweer Photo Festival. Mr. Al Obaidly expressed the ethos behind his mentorship, stating, “Photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about storytelling, preserving cultural heritage, and conveying emotion. Through this exchange, I hope to inspire these talented photographers to use their art to celebrate cultural heritage, both in Morocco and Qatar, and to create lasting connections between our two nations.” As the longest-running exchange program under the Years of Culture initiative, the Photography Journey embodies its core mission of bridging cultural gaps. At the conclusion of the year, a curated selection of photographs from this cultural exploration will be exhibited in both Qatar and Morocco, providing a unique visual representation of Morocco’s vanishing traditions and showcasing the intertwined heritage of both nations.
The Photography Journey is an ongoing initiative that is part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. This cultural exchange program was established to enhance mutual understanding between nations through art and cultural practice. This year, the focus is particularly on the preservation of Moroccan traditions that are facing extinction. The program enables participants to not only document but also raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage. The involvement of key cultural figures such as local photographers adds to the initiative’s authenticity and effectiveness.
In summary, the Photography Journey marks a significant cultural initiative aimed at preserving the fading traditions of Morocco while fostering deeper cultural connections between Qatar and Morocco. Through the lens of talented photographers Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla, this exchange serves both as a platform for raising awareness and as an artistic endeavor to document and celebrate Morocco’s unique cultural identity. The culmination of their work will be showcased in exhibitions, enhancing public appreciation for the traditions that define a nation.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
