Doha, January 18 (QNA) – Preserving a nation’s cultural and historical identity requires accurate documentation, insofar as that identity is of great importance in protecting heritage, especially intangible cultural heritage. The need for vision and standards is well known to all. It consists of practices, customs, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
A wide variety of groups are constantly innovating this heritage in relation to their relationship with the environment and nature, thereby increasing its sense of identity and continuity.
Therefore, the Al Ghannas Society of Qatar (AGQS) has made unwavering efforts in promoting the Falconry Archives Project, which was started many years ago, through which AGQS has clearly demonstrated that, along with oral and documentary videos, it has We were able to collect several sources and references regarding the heritage of It chronicles hunting and falconry expeditions.
Dr. Omar Al-Ajri, academic researcher and member of the Union of Arab Historians, said in an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that these findings demonstrate the deep-rooted cultural heritage in terms of customs, art and language. He said it is helping to ensure that it is maintained. It emphasizes that archives contribute to preserving information and strengthening collective memory.
The archival process provides primary sources and documents that can be cited in academic research and history, thereby fostering humanitarian knowledge, and through accurate documentation ensures that this heritage, including the entire historical facts, is protected from tampering and forgery. and can be used for the benefit of future generations. , emphasized Dr. Al-Ajri.
He said that archives are the core of the path of civilization, seek to protect the intellectual property rights of authors by documenting and legally protecting their works, and promote cultural development and bridge communication between generations. He emphasized that it is a powerful catalyst for diversity.
Dr. Al Azili emphasized that Qatar is a center of rich and diverse cultural heritage and has accumulated Qatari elements of falconry, which combines practices, traditions and knowledge, revealing the unique identity of the community. and demonstrated Qatar’s interest in intangible cultural heritage. This legacy is based on a combination of important references such as the Constitution and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Confirming its commitment to protecting cultural heritage, Dr. Al-Ajli said that AGQS, in addition to managing various events related to hunting and representing hunters, supports hunters and organizes their activities. By doing so, he asserted that he strives to support falconry within the Arab and human spheres. Regional and international competitions.
Established in 2015 to record the history of hunting and falconry, the archive supports this intangible in many positive aspects, including preserving the falconry tradition that is core to Qatari and Gulf heritage. It is a big step towards preserving heritage, he added.
Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi, Chairman of the AGQS Board of Directors, emphasized to QNA that the association has a mission to document falconry for future generations, and that its operations will He emphasized that it is not limited to heritage, but rather goes beyond it. To include other important projects in terms of reintroducing peregrine falcons to their natural habitat.
Since the launch of this archive, AGQS has embarked on the establishment of a library of specialized reference materials for Qatari, Arab and Gulf falconry. The library consists of a diverse collection of photographs, documents and audiovisual materials that meticulously document this rich Qatari heritage.
Mr. Al Mahshadi stressed that this is part of the cultural heritage of the Gulf and the world, adding that this initiative is a specialized scientific, historical and literary project focused on falconry and traditional hunting practices. The aim is to promote research, it added.
Mr. Al Mahshadi said that AGQS will provide at its disposal all materials that clearly document the ancient and modern history of falconry, in order to enrich Qatar’s archives and make them available to all. He said he had previously called on all media outlets to do so. He said this initiative to preserve this intangible Qatari human heritage has received widespread support since the archive’s early days.
He said that the AGQS library contains about 300 books, including 50 Arabic books and more than 300 foreign books such as English, Spanish, German, Russian, etc. He emphasized that there is a monumental archive of world-class magazines dedicated to falconry ever published. With over 50 years of history, it provides essential information, reports and research for falconers and researchers alike.
The library’s content covers falconry from a variety of angles, chief among them Qatari, Arab, and international falconry training, including quarry hunting with birds of prey, in-depth training, and falconry. It covers a wide range of specialized skills, including craftsmanship related to hunting. Creating tools and advanced tracking techniques. Additionally, the library delves into the rich historical background of both Arab and global falconry traditions, he said.
This extensive archive includes sources and references related to the veterinary care, maintenance, and breeding of peregrine falcons and birds of prey, as well as specialized information on birds of prey, their species, their life cycles in the wild, and migration. He emphasized that it also includes scientific books. patterns, breeding season, etc. Additionally, there is a collection of literary and artistic works inspired by falconry, including poems, novels, and paintings. (QNA)
