The Photography Journey, part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, focuses on documenting endangered Moroccan traditions. Photographers Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla explore cultural sites, raising awareness about the importance of preserving Morocco’s heritage. Mentored by Khalifa Al Obaidly, the program aims to inspire cultural appreciation and will culminate in exhibitions showcasing their work in both nations.
The Photography Journey, a renowned cultural exchange program, returns this year under the auspices of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. This initiative aims to enrich cross-cultural understanding by focusing on “The Fading Traditions of Morocco.” Organized in collaboration with Tasweer Photo Festival and Generation Amazing Foundation, the program invites two distinguished photographers from Qatar, Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla, to document significant cultural and historical sites in Morocco. Almallah and Alabdulla’s mission is to capture traditional practices and customs that are at risk of vanishing. By utilizing their artistry, they intend to foster awareness regarding the necessity of preserving these cultural legacies, which are cornerstone elements of Morocco’s identity and human heritage. Jana Islam Almallah, a 19-year-old Youth Advocate of the Generation Amazing Foundation, is not only a dedicated photographer but also a professional football athlete advocating for enhanced involvement of women and girls in sports. Aisha Samir Alabdulla, recognized for her documentary work on Qatar’s public servants, holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication and is currently advancing her studies in Defense Diplomacy. Commenting on her involvement, Almallah expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating that it presents a unique chance to elevate the visibility of Morocco’s endangered cultural practices. Alabdulla echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the privilege of capturing significant moments that reflect the rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage. The team is under the mentorship of Khalifa Al Obaidly, esteemed photographer and educator, who emphasized that photography transcends mere image capturing—serving as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. As the longest-running initiative of its kind within the Years of Culture framework, the Photography Journey encapsulates its mission of fostering global interactions and mutual appreciation of cultures. At the conclusion of the project, selected photographs will be showcased in exhibitions in both Qatar and Morocco, providing audiences with a profound insight into the rich heritage and fading traditions of Morocco.
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture is designed as an international cultural exchange to promote a deeper understanding between Qatar and Morocco. It aims to explore and document the cultural practices of Morocco that face the threat of extinction, highlighting their significance in maintaining national identity and cultural heritage. The Photography Journey, being the longest-standing component of this initiative, offers photographers a platform to engage with these themes through their artistic expressions, thus fostering cultural appreciation and awareness.
The Photography Journey presents a significant opportunity to document and elevate awareness about the endangered traditions of Morocco, contributing to cultural preservation efforts. Through the lenses of Jana Islam Almallah and Aisha Samir Alabdulla, this initiative not only records but also celebrates the rich heritage of Morocco, while fostering connections and understanding between Qatar and Morocco. The resulting exhibitions will serve as a testament to the importance of safeguarding cultural traditions for future generations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
