The Photography Journey cultural exchange has returned as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, focusing on the theme “The Fading Traditions of Morocco.” Qatar-based photographers Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla are documenting endangered cultural practices in Morocco. Their aim is to raise awareness about cultural preservation, with public exhibitions planned to showcase their work at the year’s end.
In Doha, Qatar, the acclaimed cultural exchange program known as the Photography Journey has returned, aligning with the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture initiative aimed at fostering international understanding. This year’s theme focuses on the fading traditions of Morocco, offering participants an insightful exploration into the country’s at-risk cultural practices. The program is presented in collaboration with the Tasweer Photo Festival and the Generation Amazing Foundation. The Photography Journey features two distinguished photographers based in Qatar: Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla. Throughout their journey, they will traverse significant cultural and historical sites across Morocco, capturing traditional practices and customs that are in danger of being lost. Their goal is to raise awareness about cultural preservation, emphasizing the need to protect these invaluable aspects of Morocco’s national identity and heritage. Jana Islam Almallah, a 19-year-old youth advocate for the Generation Amazing Foundation and a communication student at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, expresses her passion for photography and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls in sports. Aisha Samir Alabdulla, recognized for her impactful documentary work portraying Qatar’s civil servants, holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Qatar University and is currently pursuing a master’s in Defense Diplomacy at the Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies. Commenting on the experience, Jana shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help raise awareness of some of Morocco’s most precious cultural traditions and practices, which are at risk of extinction. We want to bring to life these traditions and play a small part, we hope, in preserving them for the next generation.” Aisha echoed this sentiment, expressing her gratitude, saying, “Capturing special moments in time has been a privilege. I appreciate the trust offered to me by the subjects of my work and am eager to be part of such an incredible opportunity.” Mentoring the participants is Khalifa Al Obaidly, a photographer, educator, and Director of the Artist in Residence program and Tasweer Photo Festival. He articulated his passion for the project, remarking, “Photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about storytelling, preserving cultural heritage, and conveying emotion. Through this exchange, I hope to inspire these talented photographers to use their art to celebrate cultural heritage, both in Morocco and Qatar, and to create lasting connections between our two nations.” The Photography Journey, noted as the longest-running exchange program within the Years of Culture initiative, exemplifies its fundamental mission to bridge cultures by bringing the world to Qatar and vice versa. At the culmination of this year, a selection of the photographs will be showcased in public exhibitions in both Qatar and Morocco, providing audiences with a profound glimpse into the fading traditions of Morocco and the shared heritage between these two nations.
The Photography Journey is part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between cultures. This year, the initiative underscores the importance of cultural preservation, especially concerning Morocco’s traditions that are at risk of fading away. Through the remarkable work of local photographers, the program aspires to highlight and document these endangered cultural practices in a meaningful way. By focusing on key heritage sites and customs, the program intends to promote awareness of the significance of cultural identity in both Morocco and Qatar, thus fostering a greater appreciation for their shared heritage.
The Photography Journey offers a significant opportunity to document and raise awareness of Morocco’s endangered traditions through the lens of two talented Qatari photographers. Their collaboration aims to preserve cultural heritage and foster deeper connections between Qatar and Morocco, culminating in exhibitions that will celebrate the rich, shared cultural narratives of both nations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
