Capturing Morocco’s Endangered Heritage: A Cultural Exchange Through Photography

The Photography Journey, part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, focuses on the endangered traditions of Morocco through the work of two Qatar-based photographers, Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla. Organized with the Tasweer Photo Festival and Generation Amazing Foundation, the initiative aims to document and raise awareness about Morocco’s cultural heritage. Mentored by Khalifa Al Obaidly, the photographers will showcase their work in exhibitions at the end of the year, revealing insights into Morocco’s fading traditions.

The Photography Journey, a prominent cultural exchange initiative, has resumed under the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, striving to enhance intercultural understanding between Qatar and Morocco. This year’s program is themed “The Fading Traditions of Morocco,” directing its focus towards the endangered cultural practices within the country. This initiative is organized in collaboration with the Tasweer Photo Festival and the Generation Amazing Foundation. The Photography Journey, recognized as the longest-running cultural exchange within the Years of Culture program, highlights the work of two distinguished Qatar-based photographers, Ms. Jana Islam Almallah and Ms. Aisha Samir Alabdulla. These photographers will traverse Morocco, visiting and documenting vital cultural and heritage sites, specifically those that face the threat of extinction. Their photographic endeavors are intended to elevate awareness regarding the significance of cultural preservation, thereby underscoring the importance of safeguarding the invaluable elements of Morocco’s national identity and human history. Ms. Jana Islam Almallah, at only 19, is a Youth Advocate for the Generation Amazing Foundation, in addition to being a communication student at the University of Doha for Science and Technology. She is an avid photographer and a professional football player, dedicated to enhancing opportunities for women and girls in sports. She is accompanied by Ms. Aisha Samir Alabdulla, renowned for her photographic documentation of Qatar’s civil servants. Ms. Alabdulla possesses a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Qatar University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Defense Diplomacy at the Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies. Expressing her thoughts on the journey, Ms. Almallah conveyed her enthusiasm: “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.” Ms. Alabdulla also expressed her excitement, stating, “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.” Guiding the participants through this artistic exploration is Mr. Khalifa Al Obaidly, a photographer, educator, and the Director of the Artist in Residence program and the Tasweer Photo Festival. Mr. Al Obaidly articulated his passion for this project, affirming, “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.” As a hallmark of the Years of Culture initiative, the Photography Journey aims to connect the world with Qatar, and vice versa. At the conclusion of the year, selected photographs from this cultural expedition will be showcased in public exhibitions both in Qatar and Morocco, offering audiences an intimate and personal insight into the fading traditions of Morocco and the shared rich heritage of both nations.

The Photography Journey is a cultural exchange program designed to foster understanding and collaboration between nations through photography. Launched as part of the Years of Culture initiative, the program is specifically focused on acknowledging and preserving cultural heritage, which is increasingly at risk in the modern world. The Year of Culture program comprises various initiatives that showcase the cultural identity and heritage of different nations, aiming to create meaningful interactions and learning opportunities among participants from diverse backgrounds. This year’s theme, centered on the fading traditions of Morocco, places emphasis on the urgent need for cultural preservation in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In summary, the Photography Journey serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a crucial effort to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Morocco’s endangered cultural practices. Through the lens of Ms. Jana Islam Almallah and Ms. Aisha Samir Alabdulla, and under the mentorship of Mr. Khalifa Al Obaidly, this initiative exemplifies the spirit of cultural exchange and heritage preservation. The eventual public exhibitions will provide invaluable insights into Morocco’s traditions, creating a bridge of cultural understanding between Qatar and Morocco.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com