MIA Bazaar becomes a melting pot of cultures

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Bazaar continues to attract a large number of visitors since it reopened on February 3, offering a wide range of food and non-food items for shoppers to explore.From sweets and delicacies to an array of apparel, jewellery, handicrafts, artworks and toys displayed by sellers from different communities, the bazaar provides shoppers with affordable and quality products.Lamia Mustafa, who is showcasing some of her artworks and other handmade items like embroidery at MIA Park, told Gulf Times that she gets an increasing number of customers at the bazaar."Many customers often look for pieces (either paintings or mugs) that feature Qatar’s landmarks and those with Islamic designs while others prefer personalised items," she explained.Also a member of QatArt, Mustafa said she has been participating in various bazaars and similar activities in the country besides the MIA bazaar, and before the Covid-19 pandemic.Apart from artworks, clothing is one of the most sought-after products at the MIA Bazaar as many sellers offer enticing deals. These include men’s and women’s wear such as jeans, jackets, t-shirts, and abayas, in addition to children’s wear."Where can you find a stall like this (referring to seller) that offers items between QR5 and QR10? Only here at MIA Bazaar, and the quality is quite good,” said Nepali expatriate Sunil, who bought at least nine different items.The bazaar, which operates during weekends until March 18 (Fridays from 2pm to 10pm and Saturdays from 10am to 8pm), has also become a melting pot of cultures, featuring handmade products, as well as home-cooked authentic cuisines, from different nationalities and expatriate communities.Other attractive products on display at the MIA Bazaar are handcrafted real butterfly frames and glass domes, made in the Philippines by the couple Bernard and Lea Punzal. In the previous week, Lea said all their butterfly glass domes were sold out.Apart from jewellery of varying designs and shapes, many shoppers also find ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets made of pearls, beads, seashells, and other materials attractive.