Jordanian Officials, Writers to QNA: Qatar, Jordan Cultural Ties Witness Significant Growth

Cultural relations between Qatar and Jordan have witnessed significant growth, thanks to the shared cultural heritage both nations possess, allowing them to present an exceptional model on the cultural stage, both regionally and internationally. Jordanian officials and writers, in statements to Qatar News Agency on the sidelines of Qatar's participation in the Amman International Book Fair 2024, which concluded Saturday, described the cultural relations between the two countries as strong, having been solidified by intellectuals for more than half a century, and they continue to grow across various sectors, grounded in the cultural depth and shared history between the two nations. Dr. Maher Naqsh, Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Culture, told QNA that the history of cultural agreements between the two countries dates back to 1972, followed by the signing of an executive program for cooperation in 1994 in Qatar. The most recent cultural cooperation agreement was signed in June 2021, adding to many mutual participation and events between the two countries. He noted that about 14 intellectuals, including writers, novelists, critics, and researchers considered among Jordan's most prominent won the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel between 2015 and 2020. He added that the agreements signed between the two countries focus on strengthening and supporting joint cultural cooperation by organizing art exhibitions, cultural weeks, visits by artistic, theatrical, musical, and dance troupes, as well as fine arts exhibitions. Both countries ensure the exchange of invitations to participate in cultural festivals and events, and they consult and coordinate on cultural matters during participation in Arab and international conferences. Dr. Naqsh pointed out that there is cooperation between the national libraries of both countries through the exchange of scientific information, publications, manuscripts, and the promotion of intellectual production exchange, as well as collaboration in library training and manuscri pt restoration. Additionally, the libraries and publishing houses of both nations participate in each other's book fairs. He highlighted that, under the signed agreements, Qatar and Jordan work on encouraging the exchange of visits by officials and researchers in the fields of museums, Islamic artifact restoration, organizing archaeological exhibitions, exchanging publications related to heritage, and loaning valuable historical artifacts between national museums, in accordance with each country's laws. They also promote the organization of training courses and workshops related to antiquities and museums, the training of Qatari and Jordanian professionals, and coordination in international conferences on these subjects. Both countries also participate in archaeological excavation projects. In the field of children's culture, Naqsh said that the two countries encourage the exchange of experts and specialists in children's culture, the joint production of cultural material for children, including theatrical performances and films, as well as the exchange of children's cultural publications. They also cooperate in conducting studies, organizing educational seminars, and facilitating collaboration between musical and theatrical troupes, offering training courses and study fellowships in both countries, and organizing joint activities in this regard. Furthermore, there is cooperation in joint film production and organizing film weeks in both Qatar and Jordan. Jordanian writer and novelist Mufleh Al Adwan stated that the cultural relations between Qatar and Jordan are characterized by cooperation and mutual respect, reflecting a long history of interaction between the two peoples. There are several areas that contribute to enhancing these relations, with Arabic literature being an important medium for expressing identity and culture. Qatari and Jordanian writers participate in book fairs and literary events, exchanging cultural visits, which allows them to promote their works and engage with a wider audience. Liter ary festivals are organized in both countries, such as the Doha International Book Fair and the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan, where writers and poets from various Arab countries, including Qatar and Jordan, are invited. He added that poetry is a fundamental aspect of the culture in both countries, with prominent poets participating in poetry evenings held in both Qatar and Jordan, aiming to highlight young talents and strengthen cultural interaction. Al Adwan also noted the collaboration between Qatari and Jordanian universities through the exchange of expertise and curricula via academic conferences that focus on higher education topics. Some universities in both countries offer joint postgraduate programs, enabling students to earn degrees recognized in both nations. He mentioned that Qatar and Jordan share initiatives to promote education, such as student exchange programs and school and university visits, enriching the educational experience and fostering cultural understanding. These collaborations strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries, offering individuals the opportunity to explore and exchange ideas and traditions, thus enhancing mutual understanding between the two cultures. The writer emphasized that a special relationship exists between Qatar and Jordan, rooted in many shared cultural aspects, including their belief in cultural diversity. He called for the importance of enhancing cultural partnership through joint cultural programs, based on the deep cultural relations between the two countries. This would allow Jordanians to present their culture more extensively in Doha, and Qataris to do the same in Amman, building on Qatar's outstanding cultural infrastructure. Speaking to QNA, Jabr Abu Faris, Director of the Amman International Book Fair, highlighted the excellent relationship between the Qatari Ministry of Culture and the Union of Jordanian Publishers. He noted that Jordanian publishing houses are keen to participate in the Doha International Book Fair, just as Qatari cultural institutions are dedicated to taking part in the Amman International Book Fair through an official pavilion for the Qatari Ministry of Culture. Abu Faris added that the Union of Jordanian Publishers maintains a distinguished relationship with Qatar in cultural exchange. Qatar was the guest of honor at last year's Amman International Book Fair, presenting an impressive cultural program that provided Jordanian readers with the opportunity to explore Qatar's national heritage and familiarize themselves with Qatari authors and publishing houses. He praised Qatar's dynamic cultural movement and infrastructure, which has positioned Qatari culture as a remarkable model for preserving Arab and Islamic traditions. He also highlighted the integration and harmony of cultural elements within Qatari society, which manifest in Qatar's national identity, reflecting the country's strong emphasis on culture. Taghreed Najjar, a Jordanian writer specializing in children's and young adult literature, noted the significant development in cultural relations between Qatar and Jordan, particularly in the fields of education and culture. She emphasized the participation of Qatari and Jordanian publishing houses in local and regional book fairs, such as the Amman International Book Fair and the Doha International Book Fair. She also pointed to the growing involvement of Jordanian authors in literary competitions in Qatar, especially those focused on children's literature. She explained that there is ongoing collaboration between Qatari and Jordanian institutions to support initiatives aimed at promoting children's literature and reading habits, such as the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Moreover, efforts are being made by Qatari and Jordanian publishing houses to translate children's literature, enabling broader access to audiences in both Arabic and other languages. Joint publishing efforts between Qatari and Jordanian publishers have also help ed boost the distribution of children's books across the region. Regarding cooperation in education and culture, Taghreed Najjar noted that Qatar provides scholarships for Jordanian students to study at its universities. Additionally, Jordanian teachers are recruited to teach various subjects in Qatari schools, valued for their high qualifications. This contributes to the exchange of educational expertise between the two countries. She also mentioned cultural agreements between Qatar and Jordan, which reflect the deep cultural ties and cooperation in various artistic and cultural fields. In her concluding remarks to QNA, Najjar described the cultural and educational relations between Qatar and Jordan as strong and multifaceted, supported by a mutual desire to enhance academic and artistic collaboration. She called for further strengthening cultural partnerships between the two countries, particularly in areas such as translation and publishing, with a focus on children's literature, which requires scientifi c, literary, and creative resources. She also emphasized the importance of enriching libraries in both Doha and Amman with intellectual contributions from both countries. Source: Qatar News Agency