Explore-Qatar » Facts and Figures » Qatar History » Culture and Heritage
Qatar has a rich and distinct culture that brings with it a priceless heritage of many centuries. The ethnic roots of Qatari people are as varied as the many tribes that inhabited Arabia in ancient times.
By initiative from His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, a program is underway to promote awareness of Qatar's cultural heritage and stimulate new creative projects.
Museums, libraries, magnificent collections of Arab writings, calligraphy and art will be available for research and public appreciation in order to implement the objectives. The creation of new institutions for the performing arts, and a revival of creative disciplines in education will make Qatar a dynamic focus for the arts in the region.
"Al Sadu" the term used for the weaving process, is an old Arabic term that means to stretch or extend. Creating these beautifully decorated tents, rugs, cushions and camel bags was traditionally the Bedouin women's way of live for many generations. Wool is used from Goats, Sheep and Camels. The camels are used for the softer applications, while Goat's wool is used to create virtually waterproof tents.
The country in 7th century AD was well known for its woven Qatari cloaks and fine finishing of the spears called khattiyah spears.
Qataris often distinguish themselves from expatriate residents by wearing traditional clothing: men wear the thobe (a floor-length white garment) with a ghutra and egal headdress, and women wear an abayah (a floor length black robe) with a shayla headdress.
Most Qatari women choose to wear a black headdress, however, different headdresses or multicoloured scarves may also be worn. Some women wear a full or partial veil while in public places in order to maintain personal modesty.
With warm Arabian waters on its three sides Qatar offers a varied choice in seafood; tuna, shrimps, lobsters, kingfish, and red snapper are all mouth watering. The meat dishes are based mainly on lamb; ouzi is a whole roasted lamb served on a bed of rice with pine-nuts and shawarma is grilled shavings of lamb or chicken wrapped with salad in a Arab pita bread, and macchbous is spiced lamb with rice.
Milk from cows and goats is usually made into laban (yoghurt) or Labneh (cream cheese). Rice and cracked wheat, called burghul (bulgur), are used in many dishes.
Other common Arab specialties include hummous, tabbouleh, mahsi koussa, hareis, esh asaraya, Umm Ali and a pudding made with rosewater and pistachios, called mehalabiya.
Qataris being Muslims do not eat pork. They eat only halal meat specially prepared by the butcher according to Muslim laws.
Serving Arabic coffee to visitors is an age-old custom derived from Bedouin hospitality traditions and an important part of Qatari etiquette.
Another beverage, qahwa (sweet coffee), made from ground coffee infused with saffron, cardamom and sugar, is served on special occasions.
Qatar is an Islamic state. The Holy Quran not only guides the religious beliefs of Qataris, but also plays a major role in their daily life. Law, business practices, and family traditions are governed by Muslim beliefs and values. Beautiful mosques are located all over the country for daily worship, and calls to prayer are announced throughout the day; pre-dawn to post-dusk. Prayer schedules are published in daily newspapers. In addition, radio broadcasts are interrupted to announce times for prayer.
The Holy month of Ramadan is very important to Muslims. The devout fast daily between sunrise and sunset, to help concentrate deeply and reflectively during prayers and meditations. Expatriates must respect the customs and traditions of the Islamic religion, particularly during Ramadan. There are strict rules and potentially heavy fines levied regarding drinking, eating and smoking in public during daylight.
Islam is the only officially recognised religion in the country. However, Qataris are generally tolerant of other religious beliefs. Many church groups hold weekly services, though out of respect and deference to the host country, no distinguishing religious signage is displaced on the exterior of any building.
Men display the unity and strength of Qataris in the Ardha, a dance performed with swords, especially during special occasions like Eid and Independence Day. The Ardha traces its origins to bedouin days and is also performed in neighbouring countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is a beautiful combination of poetry and dance; with a poet moving back and forth between two lines of singers and dancers. The traditional lyrics, the poet gives each group of singers a line to repeat before moving across to the other group, are of chivalry and strength and adapt to each occasion across generations.
Lewa another dance performed by Qataris is originally from the coast of East Africa and has now become a part of the Qatari tradition. Earlier men and women both performed it together but now it composes of only male dancers. It is very popular during weddings and religious occasions.
Razeef is a Bedu dance for men performed in two facing lines, singing eight-bar verses at each other, backed by two kinds of drum, the tubal and the tara.
Masked women dance to the beat of music in a dance called Khammary. It has light romantic lyrics based on love poems and is well liked at the weddings. Other dances performed by women are Sameri and Ashouri.
The country's climate and topography influences the structural design of the buildings.
The materials found locally were used in olden days, but today Qatar imports most of its construction needs.
Mosques Qatar has a rich architectural heritage - Doha alone has some 700 mosques (masjid) and the most famous amongst them is the multi-dome Grand Mosque.
Mosques are the center for religious and charity activities. A dome and a minaret form an integral part of it.
Prophet Mohammed's (pbuh) mud-walled courtyard enclosed house in Medina formed the basis for the mosque formation in 7th century AD.
The mosque courtyard sahn is a gathering place for the community while the position of mehrab in the prayer hall shows the direction of Mecca, and to its right stands the minbar, a platform. Muezzin uses the minaret to call (Adhan) the faithful for the prayers five times a day. Some mosques also have a women's praying area called Musalla al Sayedat.
Qatari Houses Earlier clay was used to bind stones and in some places, where stones were hard to find, clay bricks were used. With time gypsum replaced clay and wooden frames were used in ceilings.
To reduce heat, levelled roofs protruded in the facade and to avoid intense sunlight houses were built with small windows. Ventilation and lighting grills called Badjirs were used only in the top floors. Today all houses use air-conditioning.
The traditional Qatari houses have inner courtyards with a majlis near the gate where all male guests are entertained. Usually a fountain adorns the main entrance of the house with shaded trees planted all around the courtyard. These houses also have a high concrete wall around them to ensure full privacy from passersby.
The houses have beautiful carved balconies, giving it a traditional look, but are not used to often due to the heat. Most Qatari homes have a pool and a servant's quarter.
Don't be surprised if you see two similar bungalows side-by-side; very often close relatives build identical houses adjacently.
