Qatari Majlis remains vibrant: Al Kawari
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural Adviser at Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for the post of the Unesco Director-General
DOHA: Qatar’s culture, reflected in its traditional Majlis remains intact, despite its and rapid economic growth, H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari (pictured), Cultural Adviser at Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for the post of the Unesco Director-General, said in Paris.
Speaking at the launch of his new book in French “Global Majlis”, Al Kawari said, “I would like to invite you to share my happiness and what makes me feel honoured is that my book is published by Odel Jacob Publishing which is located a few steps from the University of Sorbonne.”
The youth in the Arabian Gulf learn through the Majlis, the genuine ethics, virtue and the art of dialogue, and habit of listening and respecting elders, said Al Kawari.
“The wealth and rapid developments Qatar currently is witnessing do not affect the status of our traditional Majlis or its environment,” he added.
“Thus our Majlis has remained a school and open space for everyone to learn and listen to poems, stories and folklore…Our ancestors were practicing fishing and pearl diving and selling pearls to traders and travellers since the time of their voyage through the desert guided by the stars,” said Al Kawari.
“ Like all Qataris I belong to the desert and the sea where silence, calm and reflection prevail. Our region today is suffering from poverty, ignorance, wars, violence and terror. I am not among those who keep silent towards violation of rights. When Paris was attacked by terrorists I told my friends not only Paris, but the humanity as a whole was attacked,” he added. The former Minister of Culture Art and Heritage expressed his gratitude to the Qatari leadership for honouring him with that position.
“One of the tasks I undertook was to promote the cultural aspects and take responsibility of the celebration of Doha the Arab Cultural Capital 2010 . And we used history and geography to achieve the intended goal,” said Al Kawari.
The Peninsula