Articles

#QATARILITMONTH: Skyscrapers and Artificial Islands in Qatar

"Beauty At First Sight" Skyline of Doha The year 2005, when I set foot in Qatar, was a turning point in my life. That was the moment I saw the beautiful architecture that saturated my soul and nourished my ideas at the College of Architecture. I have not forgotten when I went with my husband … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH: Skyscrapers and Artificial Islands in Qatar

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Do Animals Fall in Love?

Did you know that male pufferfish carve intricate designs into the sand to attract a female? Or that swifts mate in midair? Or that brown hares can have two pregnancies at the same time? You’ll find these fascinating facts—and plenty more—between the covers of Do Animals Fall in Love? A 142-page illustrated nonfiction book aimed at … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Do Animals Fall in Love?

#QATARILITMONTH: Children’s Literature

The Children's Library At Qatar National Library: Promoting Qatari Children's Literature Qatar National Library is a cultural and educational institution that offers the community diverse programming in all fields as a way to serve Qatari society. The role of the Children's Library is important, as it provides young learners with an inspiring atmosphere that enables … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH: Children’s Literature

#QATARILITMONTH: The Heritage Library at Qatar National Library

Treasures of the Arabic and Islamic Worlds at Qatar National Library The Heritage Library’s location at the heart of Qatar National Library reflects its important role as the guardian of the nation’s history and heritage. The extensive collection of heritage and historical materials traces scientific, artistic, social and economic development throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds. It also highlights the … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH: The Heritage Library at Qatar National Library

#QATARILITMONTH:The Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art Destination for Art, Knowledge and Architecture The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is a landmark of Qatar. The museum opened its door for visitors on November 2008 (Alarabiya, 2008). The museum's significance to Qatar can be understood through knowing that it was designed by the architect I.M. Pei, who also … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH:The Museum of Islamic Art

#QATARILITMONTH:Souk Waqif

Souk Waqif: Once Upon a Time Maher Atter- Photographer  Mohamed Ali Abdullah- Text and Drawings  Souk Waqif: Where past and present reside side-by-side  A walk through the labyrinth-like passageways of Souk Waqif in Doha, Qatar tantalizes all of your senses.  Careening through the passageways at each turn there is a new smell.  The pungent smell of the fresh spices, the … Continue reading #QATARILITMONTH:Souk Waqif

Welcome to #QatariLitMonth

The Essence of Qatar Al Zubara Fort I am thrilled to start with you this month’s journey where you will take a glimpse of the nation of Qatar. I have been invited to be the guest editor for July to share with you stories from my beloved country. For those who don’t know much about … Continue reading Welcome to #QatariLitMonth

The Booktrekker: Kuwait

READ My book selection for Kuwait was Motorbikes and Camels, by Nejoud Al-Yagout. This is the author’s debut novel, and I thought the format was particularly interesting. The book consists of stories about thirteen different people, all of whose lives are intertwined with the lives of one or more other people in the book. While the plot … Continue reading The Booktrekker: Kuwait

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Temple Alley Summer

Written by award-winning Japanese author Sachiko Kashiwaba, Temple Alley Summer* features not one but two ghost stories. The first is the outer shell in this engrossing middle-grade novel and a fully-fleshed narrative; the other is an embedded fairy-tale fantasy with intriguing connections and parallels to the first. In the “outer” ghost story, Kazu, who is … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Temple Alley Summer

The Booktrekker: Kenya

READ Dust, by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, opens with the shooting death of a young man on the streets of Nairobi. He is killed by the police after stealing back the car that was stolen from him. The young man’s name is Moses Ebewesit Odidi Oganda (Odidi), and his death shatters his family: his estranged father Nyipir, … Continue reading The Booktrekker: Kenya