Bridging Latin America and the Gulf through Cultural Exchange, Insha'Allah
As-salamu alaykum! The Gulf region is making its mark globally by sharing art and culture while building bridges beyond the Middle East, Insha'Allah.
One special initiative is the Years of Culture, started by Qatar. This year, they teamed up with Argentina and Chile to exchange cultural treasures. This shows the Gulf’s desire to connect beyond its usual neighbors, reaching out to distant lands that share deep-rooted values.
Recently, I had the chance to witness workshops in Buenos Aires and Santiago. There was a lively moment when young students recognized a photo of the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, presenting a bisht - a traditional Arab cloak - to Lionel Messi before the World Cup win. The bisht, decorated with gold trim, is a respected symbol of honor in the Gulf, often worn by leaders.
About 20 volunteers from Qatar Museums led the activities, working closely with local communities. Hazem Idriss, head of community services, called it a “great adventure.”
Even though the two regions are far apart, they share common values like respect for family, pride in heritage, generous hospitality, and delicious food. Arabic has influenced Spanish, and while subtle, the connection is meaningful.
Argentine students at the Astor Piazzolla Conservatory got to enjoy Arabic coffee and dates - Gulf hospitality staples - while learning about life in Qatar and the Gulf.
Traditional Gulf clothing was showcased, with many excited to try on these beautiful outfits and snap pictures.
Paulette, a 22-year-old student from Ecuador, loved exploring Gulf music, especially the Oud. “It was amazing to see traditional dress and listen to percussion instruments,” she shared after attending a Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Teatro Colón.
Volunteers, including photographer Khalid Al Obaidly, also taught cyanotype photography - a creative method using light-sensitive chemicals instead of cameras. Khalid said, “Working together to share our culture through art and music is wonderful.”
The Years of Culture began in 2012, inspired by Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, sister of the Emir, to build ties ahead of Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup - the first in the Middle East.
Past exchanges happened with other World Cup host countries, blending traditional heritage with modern creativity.
The Gulf has grown into a hub of culture, with galleries and museums flourishing.
Through art exhibits, literature, food, and music, this program highlighted similarities between Latin America and Gulf countries.
One special story, Kalila wa Dimna - an ancient fable - was translated into Spanish and shared through storytelling workshops. Around 1,000 copies were given out via Qatar Reads, an initiative spreading Arabic literature.
Qatari artist Wadha Al Athba brought the fable to life with 12 paintings displayed in Buenos Aires’ Biblioteca Ricardo Guraldes. Javier Martinez, director of books and culture, praised the project for promoting the Arab world.
The workshops, where storytellers read to schoolchildren, were warmly received. Javier compared the fable to Argentina’s famous epic poem, Martin Fierro.
Kalila wa Dimna dates back centuries, with early translations into Pahlavi and Arabic by Ibn Al-Muqaffa, who added his own touches.
One tasty highlight was the gastrodiplomacy day. Volunteers cooked majboos - a beloved Gulf rice and meat dish - introducing rich spices to local students.
A creative twist came with empanadas stuffed with Middle Eastern flavors instead of traditional fillings. Sweet treats like baklava were also enjoyed and quickly finished.
Hazem Idriss said the cooking was a “great success,” with everyone loving the blend of Argentine and Arabic dishes.
Franco, a student and musician, shared, “It was wonderful exchanging our foods and sweets with pistachios and puff pastries. I hope to visit Qatar and perform with the marimba,” pointing to the large percussion instrument before playing the Qatari national anthem with a friend.
This journey doesn’t end here; communication with local communities will continue, Insha'Allah, strengthening the bonds formed.
Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena is also part of this cultural story. Known for his socially impactful housing designs, he won a competition to design the Art Mill Museum in Doha, turning an old flour mill into a lively cultural center.
Although new to museums and Qatar, Aravena felt a surprising connection, saying, “Despite cultural differences, it felt familiar - maybe because of the desert. Near Santiago lies the Atacama, the world’s driest desert.”
Chile stretches over 5,000 km from desert to icy Patagonia, mirroring the Gulf’s diverse landscapes.
When asked about future projects in the region, he expressed quiet excitement, loving the desert’s clear night skies and stars, reflecting on how the desert connects us to humanity’s beginnings.
This cultural exchange is a beautiful example of connecting hearts and minds across continents, Insha'Allah, through respect, art, and shared stories.
https://www.thenationalnews.co