Doha, Qatar – The Nomas Center, a cultural institution affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, recently concluded its first professional training courses in the traditional Qatari craft of Naqda. The initiative, held in Doha, aimed to equip the center’s female trainers with the specialized skills needed to preserve and promote this ancient art form. This training represents a focused effort to revitalize Qatar’s folk heritage and address decades of declining expertise in traditional crafts.
The two-day workshop, which concluded this week, involved twelve female trainers from the Nomas Center’s technical staff. Supervision was provided by Radhiya Al Haddad, a recognized expert in Naqda, to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to a new generation. The program underscores a broader national commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Preserving the Art of Naqda: A Qatari Tradition
Naqda is a historically significant embroidery technique practiced in Qatar and throughout the Arabian Gulf. It involves the intricate use of gold and silver threads to embellish local garments and traditional attire, often lightweight fabrics like tulle and shayla. The craft is renowned for its refined aesthetic and its role in expressing cultural identity through clothing.
According to the Nomas Center, the training focused on the precise geometric patterns characteristic of Naqda and the specialized tools required for its execution. Unlike conventional embroidery, Naqda necessitates the use of unique needles and demands a high degree of manual dexterity, concentration, and careful handling of delicate materials. The process is time-consuming and requires significant skill development.
The Importance of Skill Transfer
The Ministry of Culture has identified a critical need to revitalize traditional crafts like Naqda, as the number of skilled practitioners has dwindled over time. This decline poses a threat to the continuity of Qatar’s cultural heritage. The Nomas Center’s training program is a direct response to this challenge, aiming to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled artisans.
Maryam Ahmed Al Dosari, Head of the Girls’ Section at the Nomas Center, described the workshop as a pilot program designed to assess the training needs and refine the curriculum. She noted the intensive nature of the craft and the participants’ feedback regarding the need for more extensive training. The center is evaluating options for expanding future courses.
Participants themselves emphasized the difficulty of mastering Naqda, reporting that even the first day of training required intense focus and effort. They suggested increasing the duration of future courses and extending daily training hours to allow for more thorough practice and skill development. This feedback highlights the complexity of the art form and the dedication required to achieve proficiency.
The initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader cultural preservation efforts, which include supporting museums, historical sites, and traditional arts. The country has invested significantly in documenting and promoting its intangible cultural heritage, recognizing its importance to national identity. Related crafts like Sadu weaving and traditional jewelry making are also receiving increased attention and support.
However, challenges remain in ensuring the long-term sustainability of these traditions. Attracting younger generations to these crafts and providing them with economic opportunities are crucial for their survival. The Nomas Center’s efforts to codify the skills involved in Naqda, transforming them into a more structured and teachable art, are a step in this direction.
Looking ahead, the Nomas Center plans to analyze the results of the pilot course and develop a more comprehensive training program for Naqda. A timeline for the expanded curriculum has not yet been announced, but officials indicated that they are aiming to implement changes in the coming months. The success of this initiative will depend on continued investment in training, as well as efforts to promote the appreciation and demand for Naqda craftsmanship within Qatar and internationally.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Qatar’s Cultural Heritage – Museum of Islamic Art
