The Photography Journey returns as part of Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, focusing on “The Fading Traditions of Morocco.” Qatar-based photographers Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla will document endangered cultural practices in Morocco. Their work aims to raise awareness about cultural preservation, showcasing the importance of Morocco’s heritage. The project is supported by Tasweer Photo Festival and Generation Amazing Foundation, with a public exhibition planned for later this year.
The notable Photography Journey cultural exchange initiative is making its anticipated return as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024. This international program aims to strengthen cross-cultural understanding between nations, with this year focusing specifically on the theme “The Fading Traditions of Morocco.” Partnered with the Tasweer Photo Festival and the Generation Amazing Foundation, the program invites participants to delve into Morocco’s endangered cultural practices. The Photography Journey, recognized as the longest-running cultural exchange within the Years of Culture initiative, features two distinguished Qatar-based photographers: Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla. They will explore and document vital cultural and heritage sites throughout Morocco, seeking to highlight traditional customs that are at risk of vanishing. Through their photography, they aspire to raise awareness regarding the significance of cultural preservation, spotlighting the invaluable elements that contribute to Morocco’s national heritage and collective human history. 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, brings a passion for photography and a commitment to enhancing opportunities for women and girls in sports. In collaboration with her is Aisha Samir Alabdulla, renowned for her work capturing the realities of Qatar’s civil servants, who holds 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 enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, Jana articulated her excitement by 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 added her perspective on the journey, declaring, “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 this initiative is Khalifa Al Obaidly, a prominent photographer and educator, who serves as the Director of Artist in Residence and the Tasweer Photo Festival. He articulated his views on the project, saying, “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 represents the essence of the Years of Culture initiative, which strives to bring the world to Qatar and vice versa. As the year progresses, selected photographs from this cultural exploration will be presented in public exhibitions in both Qatar and Morocco, providing viewers with an intimate look at Morocco’s rapidly fading traditions and the shared heritage between these two nations.
The Photography Journey is part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, designed to facilitate cultural exchanges that deepen mutual understanding between nations. It reflects an ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage through artistic expression. Given that many traditional practices face extinction, this year’s focus on “The Fading Traditions of Morocco” underscores the urgency of documenting these customs. The initiative is partnered with local organizations, exemplifying a collaborative approach to cultural preservation.
In summary, the Photography Journey represents a significant cultural exchange initiative under the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, highlighting the critical need for preserving traditional practices facing extinction in Morocco. By documenting these fading customs through the lenses of dedicated photographers, the initiative not only raises awareness about cultural heritage but also fosters connections between Qatar and Morocco. The exhibited works will serve as a testament to the shared human experience and the importance of safeguarding cultural identities for future generations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
