Qatar National Library (QNL) invites you to a week-long look at the architectural heritage of Qatar and the Gulf.

The program begins with the opening of an exhibition of historical photographs of Qatari civil, religious and military buildings taken in 1984–85 by the French Archaeological Mission in Qatar, and recently acquired by the QNL. A member of this mission, Dr. Claire Hardy-Guilbert, will deliver a lecture on Qatar’s traditional architecture at the opening.

This will be followed by a conference examining the Gulf’s architectural identity and its wider cultural and economic history through the story of its traditional architecture from the 1700s to 1960s. Scholars will discuss architectural projects, the varieties of vernacular buildings, the influence of pre-oil trade and migration flows between the Gulf and the wider world, the state of traditional Gulf architecture today, preservation practices and debates, and architecture’s ongoing significance for national identity in the GCC states.

These events form part of the QNL’s Traditional Gulf Architecture Project, which seeks to create a digital archive of historical photographs, architectural maps and drawings, and publications relating to the region’s architectural heritage.

Qatar’s Traditional Architecture: Exhibition & Lecture

22 April 2018, 6:00 - 7:00PM @ the QNL Special Events Area

(in English, but Arabic interpretation will be provided)

Traditional Gulf Architecture Conference

23–25 April 2018, 9:00AM - 6:00PM @ the QNL Special Events Area (23rd) & Auditorium (24th–25th)

(in English, but Arabic interpretation will be provided)

**Please park your car in the parking lots of QF Ceremonial Court, and dedicated shuttles will transfer you to QNL building.**

For the event program, please click here.

Seats are limited. Please register below.