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2024/11/02 - 2025/03/08
Splendours of the Atlas - A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage
Presented as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage exhibition in Doha takes visitors on a unique and immersive journey through the multifaceted history and culture of Islamic Morocco.
This major exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar will reveal the many influences and forces that have shaped the Kingdom of Morocco’s unique identity to the present day.
Curated by Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, MIA Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, Splendours of the Atlas features over 200 culturally significant objects including historical artefacts, manuscripts, ceramics, costumes, jewellery and more.
Splendours of the Atlas highlights the pivotal influence of key Moroccan cities in fostering religious scholarship and scientific advances, as well as the significant role that crafts have played in shaping the country’s identity.
The exhibition brings together specially curated pieces on loan from Moroccan institutions including the National Foundation of Museums and the National Library of Rabat, many of which will be on view for the first time in Qatar. Previously unseen works from the collections of Qatar Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, and the future Lusail Museum will also be on display.
The exhibition is structured around five sections, each with a different theme highlighting the rich, interconnected cultures of Morocco:
The "Faces of Morocco: Landscapes and Society" gallery introduces visitors to a vibrant collection of photographs by Bruno Barbey, Mous Lamrabat, Irving Penn, Lalla Essaydi and Mounir Raji, showcasing Morocco's diverse landscapes and the daily lives of its Arab and Amazigh communities.
"The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints, and Scholars" explores the rich history of Moroccan dynasties and their contributions to theology and science, particularly in Fez and Marrakech. The section highlights the role of rulers descended from the Prophet Muhammad in fostering advancements in fields like astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, with a focus on the historic University of Al Qarawiyyin, established in 859 by female scholar Fatima al-Fihri (and considered to be the oldest continually operating university).
"Threads of Tradition: Morocco’s Artisanal Mastery," the exhibition's largest section, delves into Morocco's vibrant craft industries, including leather, textiles, carpets, ceramics, jewellery, and woodwork. It showcases how these crafts reflect Islamic, Amazigh, Andalusian, and diverse cultural influences, with an immersive gallery design inspired by artisanal workshops and traditional Moroccan markets.
“Traditional Sounds of Morocco” features a display of musical instruments from the Dar Jama’I Museum in Meknes, sharing the country's rich musical heritage from Andalusian melodies to gnawa music. Accompanying videos provide a glimpse into the unique musical traditions of different Moroccan regions.
The final part of the exhibition celebrates contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship through seven commissioned works by artist Noureddine Amir, who reinterprets traditional crafts into bold, abstract pieces suspended from the gallery ceiling, accompanied by a light installation designed to capture the textures and techniques of traditional Moroccan crafts.
Qatar-Morocco 2024
Discover Qatar-Morocco
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture celebrates the profound ties shared by our two nations. This exciting year-long initiative brings together our communities to learn about the cultural heritage of both countries and forge life-long connections.
