Qatar National Library Hosts Events For Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Cultural Year.

Qatar National Library Celebrates Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture

 Qatar National Library (QNL) is set to observe the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture with a range of events centered around storytelling, cultural games, workshops, and exploration opportunities.
Starting on October 31, Qatar National Library will launch the 'Letters of Faith: The Arabic Script in Indonesia' exhibition in collaboration with local and Indonesian cultural organizations.This exhibition will not only spotlight QNL's distinctive collection but also present Indonesia's vibrant Islamic legacy by featuring beautifully embellished Qur'anic manuscripts.
The exhibition will also feature items on loan from two renowned Indonesian institutions, marking the first time these artifacts have been exhibited in Qatar. The exhibition will be accessible to the public starting from November 1st.
Tan Huism, the Executive Director of Qatar National Library, stated, "Indonesia is well-known for its incredible cultural diversity, encompassing a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and religions. With the world's largest Muslim population, its coastal cities have historically served as vibrant hubs for trade, diplomacy, and faith. We are excited to invite everyone to explore exquisite Qur'anic manuscripts and other artifacts, such as century-old maps and batik textiles. Through this exhibition, our aim is to highlight the profound cultural exchanges between our regions."

The series of events will kick off on November 2 with Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, H.E. Ridwan Hassan, leading a storytelling session, where he will share captivating stories from the "Land of a Thousand Islands." Additionally, for those with an appreciation for craftsmanship, the library is arranging a Batik-making workshop, showcasing the art of decorating cloth using wax in the dyeing process.
On November 3, Qatar National Library, in partnership with Aljazeera Documentary, will present a screening of the film 'Indonesia and Discovering the Unknown,' followed by a Q&A session with the film's producer. This event provides a unique opportunity for visitors to expand their cultural horizons and appreciate the fusion of cultures in an engaging setting.

On the same day, there will be a detailed conversation with acclaimed Indonesian author Andrea Hirata, who will delve into key themes and underscore the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in promoting mutual understanding. Additionally, the library will host another Batik-making workshop on the second day.

November 4, the concluding day of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture event series, will commence with a storytelling session led by Lita Hassan, the wife of Ambassador Ridwan Hassan. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in narratives that interweave the cultural histories of Qatar and Indonesia. The Library will also organize a writing workshop with award-winning Indonesian novelist Andrea Hirata.

Later in the day, in collaboration with Earthna, the Library will facilitate an outdoor exploration adventure at the Al Khour Mangroves. Participants will embark on an enlightening journey to understand the vital role of mangroves in mitigating coastal pollution. Before the excursion, an interactive session at the library will feature Dr. Aspassia D. Chatziefthimiou, a distinguished expert in desert ecosystems, who will share insights about Qatar's mangroves. Following that, Dr. Charlie Heatubun, an expert in biodiversity and conservation, will emphasize the importance of mangroves in Indonesia.