Faleh Hussein Al Hajri
We bore witness to a significant national and international occurrence that seized the spotlight, bringing joy to both those present and those following through various media platforms. This event garnered attention across sporting, moral, humanitarian, and cultural spheres: the triumph of the Qatari national team in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
On February 10, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani bestowed the crown upon the Qatari national football team, Al Annabi, following their victorious campaign in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, marking their second consecutive triumph.
Al Annabi clinched the title through a combination of unwavering confidence, exemplary sportsmanship, remarkable teamwork among the young players, and robust support from both official channels and enthusiastic Qatari spectators within the stadiums. The culmination of their efforts unfolded at Lusail Stadium on the final day, where they demonstrated resilience and determination against the fraternal Jordanian national football team (The Nashama).
While I cannot delve into the intricate details of the coronation ceremony, the victory stands as a moment of pride and celebration for the Qatari national team, its leadership, the Qatari populace, and the Arab world, as an Arab team has been as crowned in Asian Cup championship. It represents a significant addition to the annals of national sports history, enriching the legacy of Qatari football.
This news has transcended boundaries, no longer remaining confined or obscure, and was previously discussed in my article last Sunday titled “The Asian Cup championship... and the brilliance of the Nation’s Heroes.”
Pride in the legacy of forefathers:
The triumph on the field at Lusail Stadium represented more than just a physical victory; it symbolized a moral triumph in affirming the identity of Qatar, its people, and the broader Gulf community.
Throughout the matches, the dominant visual feature in the stadium stands was the Qatari traditional dress worn proudly by fans. This display garnered widespread praise on social media platforms, in blogs, and articles, highlighting the uniformity and cultural significance of the Qatari dress.
Our pride in the local dress is profound, as it represents a connection to our heritage and serves as a testament to our identity. While we acknowledge and sometimes embrace foreign fashions for certain occasions or circumstances, the essence of our culture lies in the Qatari dress. It is a symbol of our nationhood and homeland, uniting us with our Gulf brethren in a shared legacy.
The preservation of our cultural heritage, including the tradition of wearing the Qatari attire, enjoys broad support in Qatar. It is a manifestation of our reverence for our ancestors and a commitment to maintaining the authenticity of our heritage.
A form of faith:
Any concept championed by preachers will inevitably encounter its share of setbacks and resistance, regardless of its scope or innovation. Take, for instance, the lone Qatari supporter warning same dress appearing as one person in stadiums singular figure serves as a testament to the profound intertwining of heritage and national identity, evolving beyond mere cultural adornment to become intrinsic to one’s sense of belonging.
This phenomenon underscores a deeper truth: in Qatar, the traditional attire has transcended its symbolic role to become a cornerstone of collective resilience and a definitive marker of identity. It is not merely a fleeting trend exploited for momentary attention but a deeply ingrained belief system coursing through the veins of its people.
Indeed, when I speak of survival, I allude to the ongoing struggle against the homogenizing forces of globalization. For a nation to endure, it must safeguard its unique characteristics and selfhood amidst the currents of modernization. This imperative does not advocate isolationism but rather emphasizes the importance of preserving local distinctiveness while engaging in cross-cultural exchanges.
Qatar exemplifies this delicate balance by simultaneously embracing global progress and asserting its cultural heritage. Events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the month-long AFC Asian Cup, and Expo 2023 Doha showcase Qatar’s commitment to staying abreast of global advancements while safeguarding its identity against the tide of globalization.
Ultimately, the preservation of identity amidst the rapid pace of change remains the fundamental challenge that Qatar confronts with unwavering determination in the face of evolving ideas and the relentless march of time.
Building our modernity:
The Qatari tradition underscores our commitment to modernity while honoring our rich heritage and ancestry. Our identity is deeply rooted in authenticity, and we take pride in showcasing our cultural distinctiveness whenever possible.
Capitalizing on the global platform of sports, Qatar has seized the opportunity to showcase its cultural ethos and the values held dear by its people, such as generosity, hospitality, and warmth. From the Far East to the Far West, the iconic ‘Aqal’ and ‘Ghutra’, along with other traditional attire, have been embraced by diverse cultures, appreciating their magnificence, elegance, and profound societal symbolism.
The cultural influence is palpable in the design of stadiums, where elements like the “Traditional tent” (made of wool) evoke the ancestral dwellings of the Arabian Peninsula, while another took the shape of “Kofia” and other symbols of peace and love reflect Qatar’s belonging to Arab and Islamic.
Thus Qatar shed light on the history of Arab and Muslims through these symbols. In commemorating significant events like the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina emerged victorious, H H the Amir demonstrated a profound appreciation for local heritage. This was exemplified by the gesture of adorning Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentine national team, with a ‘Bisht’. Similarly, bestowed with the same honor Hassan Al Haydos the team captain during the recent victory of the Al-Anabi team in the 2023 Asian Cup.
These gestures mark a transformative shift in reaffirming our national identity and character. They convey a powerful message: that we are capable of sharing our cultural heritage with others while respecting and appreciating theirs, without succumbing to the temptation of adopting foreign cultures mindlessly, unlike those who merely imitate without reflection or depth of understanding.
A tireless policy that was not in vain:
Today, as we witness the unwavering commitment of the Qatari populace to their cultural legacy within a sporting arena that ranks among the largest following the World Cup, it is evident that their steadfast dedication to heritage preservation has yielded significant results. Rather than being futile, this diligent policy has transformed into a catalyst for competition among citizens striving to realize their nation’s vision while safeguarding its principles, values, roles, and standing.
