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Qatar is considered one of the most important tourist destinations that many tourists from all over the world seek to visit, This is due to the diverse collection of tourist areas, entertainment centers, shopping malls, in addition to historical sites and museums. And speaking of museums, today we will take you on a tour of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.
An archaeological masterpiece and one of the most important tourist landmarks in Qatar, it was designed by the brilliant architect “Ieoh Ming Pei.” It is worth mentioning that he is the same architect who designed the Louvre Museum in France, the Miho Museum in Japan, and the Shanghai Bank in China. However, what is remarkable is his stunning design for the museum despite his limited knowledge of Islamic culture, and despite initially rejecting the idea, he later accepted the offer from the Emir of Qatar. It is also worth mentioning that an artificial island was created specifically for the construction of this museum. The reason for this is the Qatar Museums Authority, which strives to make the Museum of Islamic Art a center for information, research, and creativity, as well as a beacon for dialogue and cultural exchange by attracting a global audience. The museum is considered a reflection of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s vision for Qatar to be the cultural capital of the Middle East.
The design of the museum is influenced by ancient Islamic architecture. The museum covers an area of 45,000 square meters and is located at the edge of Doha Port, at the southern tip of Doha Bay. The museum’s exterior was built with a design of five blocks, representing the five pillars of Islam.
The best activities at the Museum of Islamic Art Qatar
First, you can start with an exploratory tour of the museum to familiarize yourself with its different sections, This initial tour will help you plan your visit better, You can also take advantage of the guided tours or use the available audio guide, which will provide you with valuable information about the museum’s history and collections. There’s also a carved map on the wall that helps you locate yourself inside the museum.
Enjoy the museum’s interior designs that blend traditional Islamic architecture with modern architectural elements, reflecting the unique beauty of Islamic culture.
The museum also features a section dedicated to showcasing handcrafted items made by ancient artisans, such as pottery, which highlight the craftsmanship of those times.
One of the most notable exhibits in the museum is the rare copies of the Quran, providing you with a rare opportunity to see some of these valuable manuscripts for the first time.
Next, you can visit a hall displaying ceramic and glass pieces that are over 1,200 years old, showcasing Islamic art from that era.
The museum also emphasizes the history of Islam through a collection of artifacts from pre-Islamic times as well as the medieval period.
Don’t miss the hall with metal artifacts, which includes sculptures, ancient Islamic pottery, and some historical weapons.
You’ll also have the chance to view religious manuscripts dating from the 7th century to the Ottoman period, along with scientific and literary texts that highlight the intellectual evolution of Islam.
The museum also displays a stunning collection of ancient Islamic textiles, such as carpets and clothing, which are considered among the finest works of art.
One of the highlights is the blue-tiled shrine, dating back to the 14th century, which is definitely worth capturing in photos.
Additionally, the museum houses a hall featuring Islamic jewelry and gemstones, which are some of the most beautiful pieces you’ll see.
There’s also a section showcasing unique Islamic arts in various forms, from sculptures to other artistic creations.
At the end of your visit, you can purchase a special souvenir from the museum shop and then relax in the museum’s vast park, which includes restaurants, cafés, and shops.
These activities make the museum a rich cultural and artistic destination well worth the visit!
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