Qatar Foundation’s Al Ghorrah: A Harmonious Blend of Beauty and Purpose in Literature and Arts
Doha, Qatar: At the forefront of offering exciting opportunities for children and adults alike to unleash their creativity, Qatar Foundation’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts is providing a unique insight into traditional, advanced techniques at the heart of Arab-Islamic cultural heritage.
From music and theatre performances to storytelling, cooking and hands-on workshops, the Education City-based, five-day celebration is a unique, broad showcase of artistic and cultural expression for audiences of all ages.
And so they have been exploring the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, and discovering the profound history of Islamic geometric patterns, through immersive workshops in Al Ghorrah’s Multicultural Zone and Multaqa (Education City Student Center) that allow them to engage with the ancient skills.
In sessions led by contemporary artist and educator Samira Mian, participants have been recreating historical patterns using symmetry and repetition. They trace their designs on khaki cotton paper, bringing them to life with pencils and paint.
“I feel incredibly privileged to share my passion for Islamic patterns with young people at Al Ghorrah,” Mian said. “This event offers a wonderful opportunity to highlight the intellectual and artistic heritage of the Islamic world, along with the rewarding practices involved in recreating these intricate designs.”
Mian emphasized her desire to provide context for the patterns she teaches, helping participants appreciate the rich intersection of history, religion, geography, art, design, and mathematics embedded in them. “My hope is that attendees leave the workshops feeling inspired and deeply connected to this beautiful legacy, while enjoying the hands-on, meditative, and creative process of bringing these patterns to life,” she added.
On the third day of Al Ghorrah (Saturday, November 30), artist, designer, and educator Ameet Hindocha will offer visitors the chance to explore Islamic geometry. Participants will be invited to create their own patterns on paper using traditional tools such as a ruler and compass.
“For the last decade, I have been deeply immersed in the study and exploration of Islamic geometric design,” said Hindocha. “I view my work as a continuation of the legacy of the geometers and artisans who created the architectural masterpieces and book arts across the Islamic world, while also expanding those possibilities by using the tools, materials, and methods available to a modern-day practitioner.”
“My teaching practice aims to inspire students to embrace the traditional skills of geometric construction as essential tools for design in the contemporary world,” Hindocha explained. “Drawing these patterns by hand with simple tools is a reflective process that fosters a deeper appreciation of the sophisticated geometry and craftsmanship seen in the monumental structures and manuscripts of Islam.”
At the same time, Al Ghorrah is hosting Moroccan calligraphy artist Badr Essaihi, who is introducing visitors to the tools of Arabic calligraphy. He is guiding participants through writing the Basmala, a saying from the Hikam of Ibn Ata Allah, and Surah Al-Ikhlas. For those new to the art, Razzan Alagraa, a student of the Islamic arts, is teaching the fundamentals of the riq’a script and helping participants complete their own calligraphic compositions.
For those who have yet to experience the diverse offerings of Al Ghorrah, or those wishing to return, the event continues until December 2, running daily from 5-10 pm. Tickets for adults are QR50, while tickets for children (aged 4-14) are QR35. Specialized workshop tickets are QR200, and access to Al Ghorrah’s adventure room is QR10. All tickets can be purchased at https://educationcity.qa/al-ghorrah, where visitors can also find a full schedule of performances, workshops, and other activities.