The exhibition takes a deeper look into the history of the drink with maps that trace the path of coffee throughout time.
Between August 22 and September 21 and under the patronage of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, Coffee for Two – Cultures in Dialogue is continuing the cultural initiative that began with the international traveling exhibition Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue in 2018, which has already fallen in six European capitals.
Under the cultural partnership of the Katara Cultural Village and the UNESCO Gulf States Office and Yemen, the exhibition celebrates the culture and traditions around drinks as a universal language that connects people around the world, promoting cultural exchanges and social cohesion.
With a selection of around 50 objects, including photos, videos and quiz games, the exhibition explores the cultural practices associated with home-roasted Arabic coffee and the functions it performs for communities.
‘Arabic coffee, symbol of generosity‘ was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015, based on the nomination submitted by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.
It is, according to UNESCO, “an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and is considered a ceremonial act of generosity.”
Prepared before the guests, Gahwa enjoyed by men and women from all segments of society, especially in their home or a Majlissocial space present in every Arab home.
What’s in the exhibition?
Since there are many ways to prepare and drink coffee, for example, some fast, some slow, some with milk and sugar, some hot and some cold, and some served in large cups or smaller cups, exhibitions Coffee for Two – Cultures in Dialogue takes a deeper look into the history of the popular drink with maps tracing the path of coffee. The map travels from the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt, where it was first cultivated, to flourishing plantations in Latin America – before becoming a dominant drink in Europe in the 17th century.th century.
The exhibition further highlights the evolution of coffee over time and its modern adaptation. Archival photos from the FBQ Museum’s collection, juxtaposed with contemporary photos of coffee consumption, show how knowledge and tradition are constantly coming together to create a culture of social interaction and exchange.
Commenting on this occasion, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim bin Faisal Al Thani said: Coffee for Two the exhibition is a continuation of the traveling cross-cultural exhibition Majlis – Culture in Dialoguewhich started in 2018 and has since visited numerous European cities.”
He went on to say that this year, in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup event, they intended to bring Culture in dialogue exhibitions in Qatar, starting with the special ones Coffee for Two themed exhibition at the Katara Cultural Village, which symbolizes the international culture of hospitality in general and Arab hospitality in particular.
Sheikh Faisal added: “The exhibition aims to encourage visitors from all over the world to sit in the Majlis to listen to stories, engage in conversation and exchange ideas about what they see. By sharing impressions of the exhibition and learning about cultures to improve international relations, Arab and Islamic, through art and artifacts in order to spread the message of peace and prosperity and expand our understanding of other people and countries, ”
Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Katara Cultural Village, said: “The exhibition is rich and valuable, as it sheds light on a common culture among the peoples of the whole world, not only in our Arab region. Coffee has traditions and meanings that differ from one country to another, but all have in common the culture of celebration and social cohesion.”
Dr. Al-Sulaiti added: “We at Qatar seek to support, sponsor and organize various events through which we share our humanitarian message in building bridges of communication between peoples,” noting that this is not the first time that Qatar has partnered with Sheikh. Faisal Bin Qassim Museum, as this exhibition has been preceded by many exhibitions and participation in the annual Katara festivals.
Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen said: “Writing the element of ‘Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity‘, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage emphasizes that the cultural functions of Arabic coffee are expressions of hospitality, generosity and social etiquette. It encourages dialogue, exchange of knowledge and experiences, and mutual respect between cultures, faiths and communities. It is an important element of common culture that is transmitted from generation to generation, giving communities a sense of identity and continuity.”
Enriched by a central space for discussions in the form of a Majlis, the exhibition’s public program offers the opportunity to expand the horizons of understanding other people’s tastes and coffee habits, bringing people together to socialize and exchange ideas in intercultural dialogue.
