The Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted Monday the second edition of the “Memory of Qatar’s Special Collections” seminar series, celebrating he country's cultural heritage.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, and other dignitaries were present.
The series, which recognises the vital role that individuals play in preserving the country’s history and traditions, highlights how family libraries are not just personal treasures but essential pillars of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Monday's edition showcased the collections of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al-Mana and Sheikh Hamed bin Ahmed al-Marwani, whose trove of rare books and documents embody Qatar’s scientific and cultural renaissance.
HE Dr al-Kawari said that the second edition of the “Memory of Private Collections in Qatar” series emphasises the strategic importance of family collections in preserving national heritage.
“These collections fill narrative gaps in the history of Qatar and the region, and provide valuable historical material that cannot be otherwise accessed,” he said.
“These seminars embody our deep commitment to preserving and passing on our country’s rich cultural heritage to future generations,” HE Dr al-Kawari continued. “Highlighting the role of individuals and family libraries in documenting Qatar’s history and preserving its traditions is an essential part of our mission to enrich knowledge and promote national identity.”
Sheikh Abdulaziz played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of early education in Qatar, establishing Al Atharia School in 1915 and contributing to the creation of an affiliated library providing essential books and references to students.
The library eventually became the nucleus of Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariyya.
Sheikh Hamed is recognised as one of country’s early education pioneers, spearheading Qatar’s emerging educational movement in the early 20th century.
During the seminar, Mohamed Yeslem El-Moujawad spoke about the library of Sheikh Abdulaziz, and Hassan al-Marwani discussed al-Marwani family library.
The session moderated by Abdulrahman Salem al-Marri explored the emergence of Qatar’s cultural landscape during the era of the country's founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani.
The participants shed light on the stories behind the valuable private family collections on display, emphasising the important cultural and historical details they brought to life.
Aisha Hassan al-Ansari, head of the Heritage Collection at the QNL, expressed the institution's pride in its positive engagement with the local community through the “Memory of Private Collections in Qatar” series.
Addressing the seminar’s opening, she said: "We aim to turn these seminars into an inspiring initiative with a future-focused vision, reflecting our commitment to raising awareness about these special collections.”
"Our mission is to educate generations about the origins, formation, and evolution of these special collections, bringing them to where they stand today,” al-Ansari said. “At the Qatar National Library, we are dedicated to providing technical and informational support through a wide range of events and activities as we aim to enhance their value as a vital part of our cultural heritage."
