Currently, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is home to Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage, a captivating exhibition which is part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture initiative. This showcase is dedicated to the impressive cultural and artistic heritage of Islamic Morocco, exploring the influences that have shaped its distinct identity. Curated by Dr Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at MIA, the exhibition will be open to the public until 8 March 2025.
On view are 200+ culturally significant artefacts — manuscripts, ceramics, jewellery, traditional costumes, etc. — some of which are sourced from esteemed institutions, such as Morocco’s National Foundation of Museums and the National Library of Rabat, alongside contributions from Qatar Museums, MIA, and the upcoming Lusail Museum. Many exhibits are being displayed in Qatar for the first time. Notable highlights include an Alawite necklace (labba) adorned with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires; the last section (juz’) of a 30-volume Qur’an manuscript from the Saadian period (1063 AH (1653 CE)); and an intricately carved and painted wooden arch (shwaf) from the 19th century.
The exhibition unfolds across five thematic sections. The first one, Faces of Morocco: Landscape and Society, captures Morocco’s landscapes and communities. Here, one can have a look at photos by acclaimed photographers Bruno Barbey (France), Irving Penn (USA), and Lalla Essaydi (Morocco) that document the daily lives of Morocco’s Arab and Amazigh populations.
A deep dive into Morocco’s dynastic history, the second section, The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints and Scholars, explores its intellectual and religious legacy, focusing on Fez and Marrakech, two cities that were major centres of learning. Visitors can learn about the University of Al Qarawiyyin, established in 859 by female scholar Fatima al-Fihri and recognised as the world’s oldest continually operating higher learning institution.
The third section, Threads of Tradition: Morocco’s Artisanal Mastery, examines the crucial role of crafts in Moroccan culture, showcasing traditional industries such as leatherwork, textiles, carpets, ceramics, jewellery, and woodworking. Designed to evoke the atmosphere of Moroccan markets and artisan workshops, the space immerses one in the country’s vibrant craft traditions.
Traditional Sounds of Morocco, the next section, is devoted to Morocco’s diverse musical heritage and showcases musical instruments, which include objects from the Dar Jama’i Museum in Meknes, used in styles ranging from Andalusian melodies to Gnawa music (religious songs and rhythms). Accompanying videos bring the sounds of these instruments to life, offering an auditory journey through the musical traditions of different regions.
The final section, Seven Dialogues: Noureddine Amir, pays tribute to contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship through seven commissioned pieces by Moroccan artist and fashion designer Noureddine Amir who produces installations employing organic materials native to Morocco. Suspended from the gallery ceiling, these stunning abstract artworks reinterpret traditional crafts while reimagining them in innovative ways.
Complementing the exhibition is a comprehensive publication featuring essays, detailed object descriptions, and newly published photographs, offering deeper insights into Morocco’s artistic and cultural legacy.
To get more information about Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage, please visit the exhibition’s official web page.
While you are at MIA, we recommend that you view the Varanasi-style necklace, the Damascus Room, and the Sitara of the Ka‘ba. You might also be interested in reading our article about what art lovers can expect in the Gulf region this spring.
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