Press Release

Museum of Islamic Art and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Present Exhibition Highlighting Experiences of Afghan Refugees in Qatar After Evacuation

25 September 2022

Exhibition shines a spotlight on the resilience of Afghan refugees and Afghanistan’s abundant history

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The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), will present Safar, a temporary exhibition highlighting the experiences of Afghan refugees following their evacuation in 2021. The exhibition, to be held in MIA Park, opens to the public on 6 October and will be on view until 31 December 2022.

Safar highlights the experiences and stories of Afghan refugees through a collection of videos, photographs, and illustrated stories beginning with a look at Afghanistan's history, the importance of its geographical position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, its wealth and natural resources, as well as being part of the most important and largest empires, and the basis of civilizations since the Bronze Age.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said: “The story of the Afghan people is one of resilience in the face of the extreme challenges they experienced during the evacuation. It is an honour to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to shine a spotlight on these moving and inspirational stories, while celebrating Afghanistan’s rich culture and abundant history.”

The exhibition highlights the importance of Afghanistan as a centre of intellectual debate and artistic excellence for thousands of years and addresses the support of Qatar and its bilateral relations with Afghanistan over the past thirty years, as well as its role during the evacuation process in 2021.

Her Excellency Lolwah AlKhater, Assistant Foreign Minister, said: “This powerful exhibition illustrates vividly through firsthand stories what refugees are capable of if given the chance and tools. Qatar is proud of its role in facilitating the evacuation of over 80,000 Afghan and other nationals from Afghanistan. We will continue our efforts to support all Afghans and support projects in Afghanistan in their endeavor towards stability and prosperity.”

During their time in Qatar, Afghan refugees received the support of the Qatar Armed Forces, the Ministry of Public Health; NGOs, members of the civil society, and the private sector, including the Qatar Foundation, Generation Amazing, Olympic Committee, and other sports federations, to ensure their mental health, well-being, and educational needs were met. Children of all ages and adults were also introduced to various art and cultural experiences, during which they could learn various new skills.

Museum of Islamic Art

Founded in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) was one of the first projects initiated by QM. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I. M. Pei, the MIA is a globally acclaimed museum that stands majestically on Doha’s Corniche, with panoramic views of the city’s waterfront. The museum showcases Qatar’s world-class collections of Islamic art spanning some 1,400 years. Representing the full scope of Islamic art from the 7th to the 20th centuries, the MIA collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood, and precious stones. The works have been collected from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and China. MIA presents a changing programme of exhibitions illustrating the heritage of the Islamic world, as well as extensive educational activities for school children and families, making the museum a vital part of the community. The MIA has become a popular museum in the region and internationally, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Dr. Julia Gonnella has served as director of the museum since 2017.

About Qatar Museums

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and the Lusail Museum. Qatar also has one of the largest and most ambitious public art programmes in the world. Through its Department of Archaeology, QM spearheads several initiatives to preserve and restore Qatar’s historical sites and buildings. QM also initiates and supports Creative Hubs that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure. These include the Fire Station: Artist in Residence, M7 for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs.