Qatar Museums has announced the launch of Lusail Museum Conversations, a new public program of lectures and events designed to foster dialogue and scholarship. The inaugural season, titled “The Late Ottoman World: At the Roots of the Modern Middle East,” will run from January to April 2026 at Georgetown University in Qatar. This series aims to explore the complex history and cultural shifts of the 19th-century Middle East, offering insights into the region’s modern dynamics.
The program, based in Doha, Qatar, will feature five in-depth talks and a film screening. These events will be led by internationally recognized historians and cultural figures, providing audiences with a unique opportunity to engage with expert perspectives on a pivotal period in Middle Eastern history. The launch of this initiative underscores Qatar’s commitment to cultural preservation and intellectual exchange.
Exploring the Late Ottoman World Through Lusail Museum Conversations
The 19th century was a period of significant transformation for the Ottoman Empire, facing internal pressures for reform and increasing external influence from European powers. This era laid the groundwork for the political and cultural landscapes of the modern Middle East, a connection that the Lusail Museum Conversations series seeks to illuminate. The program will delve into themes of authority, artistic expression, and the negotiation of modernity within a historically rich context.
Key Topics and Speakers
The first lecture, on January 23rd, will be delivered by Edhem Eldem, focusing on the paintings of the last Ottoman caliph, Abdülmecid. Eldem will analyze how the caliph utilized art to project an image of progress and responsibility following the 1908 Young Turk Revolution. This opening talk sets the stage for examining the intersection of power, art, and political messaging during a time of upheaval.
On January 27th, the series will explore how Tunisian rulers strategically employed political imagery and ceremonial language to emphasize reform and change throughout the 19th century. This highlights the diverse experiences of Ottoman provinces and their unique approaches to navigating modernization.
February 16th will feature a lecture by Mostafa Minawi, titled “Arab-Ottoman Imperialists of Istanbul at the Fall of a Multicultural Empire.” This talk promises to shed light on the experiences of Arab elites within the Ottoman administrative structure as the empire declined. The series also aims to address the topic of cultural heritage and its preservation.
Gizem Tongo will present “Painting ‘Like a Man’: Orientalism and Women Artists in the Late Ottoman Empire” on April 1st. This lecture centers on the pioneering painter Mihri, examining her career within the broader context of Orientalist art and the challenges faced by female artists in the region. It offers a crucial perspective on gender and artistic agency during this period.
The season will culminate on April 14th with a screening of Philippe Aractingi’s film, Héritages (2014). The film explores themes of exile, memory, and intergenerational transmission through personal archives and family histories in the Levant. A conversation with Aractingi, hosted by Alain Fouad George, Director of Lusail Institute, will follow the screening, providing further insight into the film’s themes and the broader historical context. This event will likely touch upon the impact of historical events on contemporary society.
Qatar Museums intends for the Lusail Museum Conversations to be an ongoing series, with future seasons focusing on different thematic areas. This inaugural season is designed to establish a foundation for future exploration and dialogue. The museum hopes to attract a diverse audience, including scholars, students, and the general public interested in Middle Eastern history and culture.
Looking ahead, Qatar Museums will likely announce details regarding future seasons of the Lusail Museum Conversations in the coming months. The success of this initial program will be a key factor in determining the scope and frequency of subsequent events. Further developments regarding the opening of the Lusail Museum itself will also be closely watched, as the Conversations series is intended to serve as a precursor to the museum’s full launch.
The program’s schedule and registration details are available on the Qatar Museums website.
