Posted by Al Al Thani at Thursday, March 24, 2011 5:06:43 PM EDT
What I found most interesting during our trip to Dohaland was the symbolism of the Sidra tree that was displayed on a large poster explaining the ideals that Qatar wants to preserve while it develops. Our great guide Ahmed explained that the roots of the Sidra tree symbolize the past and that Qatar needs a past to grow into its future, which was seen as the branches/ leaves of the tree. The roots were labeled as several things that basically supported heritage, history, and culture.
The exhibition clearly encourages Qataris and aliens to learn more about Qatari history. However, I wonder if that is possible with the vast projects that inevitably further estrange people from the past. While I praise the Musheirab project in attempting to re-create traditional architecture, I wonder how it will fit in the overall image of Qatar. Qatar seems to be taking so many different routes and using so many architectural styles. Also, I am curious to know what type of shops will open in the area. Will they be traditional? And if so, what does that even mean? In a way, isn't Qatar just recapturing a glimpse of its past?
These are just a few things that crossed my mind..
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