LANGUAGE AGORA Event Featuring Peru & Spanish on 11.11.2023 : IKA Restaurant-Aleph Doha Residence 18:00-20:00
The third event in the LANGUAGE AGORA series was a poignant and powerful celebration of Palestinian culture and the Arabic language. Held on January 16, 2024, at the ARD CANAAN restaurant in Katara Cultural Village, the event sought to commemorate the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in preserving their heritage and identity in the face of adversity.
The choice of Palestine as the featured culture was a deliberate one, as it marked 75 years since the Nakba, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homeland. The event sought to honor the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in maintaining their cultural and linguistic traditions as well as their customs despite decades of occupation, conflict, and hardship. Preserving the language & culture is an act of resilience & resistance. It is a declaration of our identity, a testament to the strength rooted in our heritage. As matters & situations shift around us, our traditions become shields that protect the very heart of who we are. We embrace where we come from, laying down a path for a vivid future.
As guests arrived at the ARD CANAAN restaurant, they were immediately transported to a world of Palestinian hospitality and warmth. The venue was adorned with traditional Palestinian decor, including colorful embroidered textiles, intricate pottery, and evocative photographs depicting the beauty and civilization of the Palestinian life from the nineteenth century & early twentieth century.
The evening began with a heartfelt presentation by a Palestinian guest speaker, who shared personal stories and insights into the rich cultural heritage of Palestine. The speaker emphasized the importance of preserving the Arabic language as a means of resisting cultural erasure and maintaining a strong sense of identity and connection to the land.
Attendees were treated to a sumptuous spread of authentic Palestinian cuisine, carefully prepared by the skilled chefs at ARD CANAAN. From savory falafel, musakhan and fatayer,to sweet knafeh and baklava, the dishes served as a testament to the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations of Palestinian families.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to engage in discussions and share their own experiences and perspectives on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, empathy, and a shared commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.
The event also featured some patriotic giveaways of traditional Palestinian arts and crafts, including custom made mugs with Palestinian embroidery motif, and key chains, kouffieh. Guests had the opportunity to admire the skill and creativity of Palestinian artisans depicted in the furniture, architecture & finishing décor of the restaurant.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees were left with a profound sense of the resilience and beauty of Palestinian culture and the Arabic language. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people and working towards a just and lasting peace in the region.
The Palestine and Arabic event was another testament to the power of language and culture in fostering understanding, empathy, and unity. Through initiatives like LANGUAGE AGORA, Reena Naser and her team are working to build bridges between communities and promote a more inclusive and sustainable society in Qatar and beyond.
Testimonials from attendees were as follows:
“LANGUAGE AGORA’s commitment to fostering an understanding of different cultures & promoting language learning is commendable…………
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . I look forward to future events & highly recommend the LANGUAGE AGORA community for those seeking to broaden their cultural & linguistic horizons.” ( Kirti )
“Jai bien aimé l’accueil chaleureux de l’hotesse et la rencontre avec de nouveaux gens……..
………. La chose qui m’a bien marquée c’est la belle présentation sur le pays du Palestine car c’était la première fois que j’ apprends……
………. L’ atmosphère est agreable et pleine d’ enthousiasme.” (Hajar)