“The first traditional Dhow Exhibition” in Qatar

In order to recognize the importance of the Dhow in the Qatari culture, Katara is proud to invite you to “The first traditional Dhow Exhibition” from 15-19 November 2011.

Over 60 Dhows, Cultural Bands, Damah competition, Pearl Diving Competition, Speakers and Lecturers, Children workshops, Museum Displays and galleries all from across the GCC will be participating on this event.

About Dhows

Dhows are traditional Arab sailing vessels with one or more masts with lateen sails, made of wood. In the past they were trading vessels primarily used to carry heavy items, like fruit, fresh water or merchandises. They were known for two distinctive features, their triangular or lateen sail and their stitched construction (Sewing the hull boards together with fibers, cords or thongs)

Nowadays Dhows are a very common sight in Qatar, and they have the latest facilities and the tourist can enjoy a comfortable journey.

In this exhibition we will see Dhows varying different shapes and sizes. The oldest one is a 120-year-old dhow from Bahrain and the second from Qatar 105 years old. Isn’t it amazing?

There are many types of dhows, but in the exhibition we will be able to see some Ghanjahs, Sambuks, bateels, shusis, Boums, and jalibuts.

Baghlah (بغلة) - From the Arabic language word for "mule". A heavy ship, the traditional deep-sea dhow. 


Source: Wikipedia

Baqarah or baggarah (بقارة) - From the Arabic word for "cow". Old type of small dhow similar to the Battil.

Barijah - Small dhow

Bateel (بتيل) - featured long stems topped by large, club-shaped stem heads.

Badan - a smaller vessel requiring a shallow.

Boum (بوم) or dhangi - a large-sized dhow with a stern that is tapering in shape and a more symmetrical overall structure. The Arab boom has a very high prow, which is trimmed in the Indian version.

Ghanjah (غنجه) or kotiya - a large vessel, similar to the Baghlah, with a curved stem and a sloping, ornately carved transom.

Jahazi or jihazi - A fishing or trading dhow with a broad hull similar to the Jalibut, common in Lamu Island and the coast of Oman. It is also used in Bahrain for the pearl industry.

Jalibut or jelbut (جالبوت) - A small to medium-sized dhow. It is the modern version of the shu'ai with a shorter prow stem piece. Most jalibuts are fitted with engines.

Pattamar - a type of Indian dhow

Sambuk or sambuq (سنبوك‎) - The largest type of Dhow seen in the Persian Gulf today. It has a characteristic keel design, with a sharp curve right below the top of the prow. It has been one of the most successful dhows in history.

Image: pfrank1's

Shu'ai (شوعي) - Medium-sized dhow. Formerly the most common dhow in the Persian Gulf used for fishing as well as for coastal trade.

Zaruq - Small dhow, slightly larger than a barijah.

Do not miss this great opportunity to learn more about the Qatari Culture and the story behind these amazing boats.

The Pearl Diving Competition will start today (November 16^th at 4:00 pm) we will see thirteen members of two teams embark on three days journey to collect as many pearls as possible using a traditional tools and methods of diving.


Schedule:


Tuesday Nov 15Th.         4:00 -10:00 pm


Wednesday Nov 16Th.   9:00 -12:00 am
                                            3:00 -10:00 pm


Thursday Nov 17Th.       9:00 -12:00 am
                                           3:00 -10:00 pm



Friday Nov 18Th.            3:00 -10:00 pm



Saturday Nov 19Th.        9:00 -12:00 am
                                           3:00 -10:00 pm

                                

So, talking about  ... Cheap and Chic ... Chic? Learning from other cultures is an enriching experience ... and cheap? definitely priceless! 

Enjoy!


Dalia Pineiro