Serving as the centrepiece of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha reveals Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage through Morocco’s Heritage. This exhibition is an immersive journey through the rich and multifaceted Islamic heritage of Morocco, from the eighth century into the present day.

“Moroccan Islamic art is characterised by its rich amalgamation of Berber, Arab and Andalusian influences, which have been integrated over centuries into a distinctive aesthetic,” explains Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the museum. “The use of bold colours and organic materials reflects both the country’s natural environment and its artisanal traditions.”

“The idea of the exhibition was to pay tribute to the identity of Morocco through its landscapes, its population and its long-lasting craftsmanship,” she continues. “We have almost 200 pieces on display. It is a voyage. It is a journey through Morocco."

Organised into five main sections, each one focusing on a different aspect of Moroccan culture, the exhibition offers a fascinating exploration of the nation’s unique Islamic heritage, embodied within the various historical artefacts, craft objects, contemporary artworks, and multi-sensory experiences.

The first section, titled Faces of Morocco: Landscapes and Society, immediately immerses visitors within the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan life. 

Images from famed photographers Irving Penn, Bruno Barbey and Harry Gruyaert – alongside contemporary Moroccan talents Lalla Essaydi, Mounir Raji, and Mous Lamrabat – become the medium through which audiences are introduced to the country’s beautiful landscapes and bustling urban centres, capturing scenes of daily life among the diverse populations of Morocco.

“The aim is to create a visually compelling and engaging entry point that depicts modern-day Morocco,” explains Chekhab-Abudaya, “setting the stage for the deeper historical and cultural exploration that follows in the
subsequent sections.”

The exhibition then pivots towards more lofty and historical subject matter with the second section, The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints, and Scholars, unpacking the deep ties between religion and power that have shaped the country. Since the Idrisids, the first Islamic dynasty in Morocco, the sovereigns – including current ruler King Mohammed VI – have been descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima al-Zahra.

These include figures like Muhammad al-Jazuli, founder of the Jazuliyya order and author of the prayer book Dala’il al-Khayrat (which translates to Proofs to Good Deeds); Fatima al-Fihriya, who founded the University of Al Qarawiyyin in 859, still recognised today as the world’s oldest continuously operating degree-granting university; and Ibn Tumart, the founder of the Almohad dynasty, who played a significant role in shaping both the Medieval and modern Islam of Morocco, particularly through the establishment of Malikism. 

This lineage defines Moroccan culture and heritage, imbuing the nation with an enduring religious devotion that also nurtured significant scientific and intellectual advancements.

Next, visitors are directed towards Threads of Tradition: Morocco’s Artisanal Mastery, the third and largest section of the exhibition, which celebrates both the richness and the cultural significance of Moroccan artisanal crafts, with an extensive selection of ceramics, woodwork, leatherwork, textiles, carpets, costumes and jewellery. Even in modern times, the legacy of these ancient crafts remains a significant driver of Morocco’s economy, renowned across the world.

“As visitors enter this section, they will have the impression of entering a bustling medina and discovering so many different pieces,” says Chekhab-Abudaya. “It pays homage to these crafts as living traditions that continue to shape the cultural and artistic landscape of Morocco today.”

The artistic and cultural focus continues within the fourth section, Traditional Sounds of Morocco. This focuses on the country’s diverse array of musical traditions and how they form an integral part of its cultural identity, from the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa to the refined melodies of Andalusian classical music. 

Visitors can experience this through video installations and recordings of traditional instruments which highlight the importance of music in the daily lives and spiritual practices of Moroccans.

“Moroccan music reflects the country’s historical connections and regional diversity,” says Chekhab-Abudaya, “and is considered a vital expression of its intangible heritage.”

At the end of this incredible journey, the exhibition celebrates the contemporary creative scene of Morocco with a commissioned series of artworks, produced by Moroccan artist Noureddine Amir. Titled Seven Dialogues, the installation consists of seven suspended panels, intertwined embroidery and material trimmings through which light and shadow illuminate the tactile aspects of Moroccan craft. This is accompanied by a sound feature created by Iranian composer and vocalist Sussan Deyhim, further elevating the experience. Together, they provide a fitting conclusion to this remarkable exploration of Moroccan culture, history and identity.

Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage and will run until the 8^th of March, 2025.