WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 • [email protected] • www.thepeninsulaqatar.com • 4455 7741 inside To prevent CAMPUS more kidney • ABP students elect student association stones, drink representatives water P | 4 P | 11 MARKETPLACE • Amiri Gems opens flagship store at Barwa Al Sadd P | 6 ARCHAEOLOGY • Zekreet: Settlements and the fort P | 7 FILM Authored by Ali Yusef Al Kuwari in • Interstellar is everything that’s great and terrible collaboration with Dr Ayman Nabih about Christopher Nolan Saadallah, a 214-page book — Carrier Pigeons in Katara —delves into the typology, anatomy and P | 8-9 physiology of carrier pigeons and their significant role in history with particular focus on the Arab region. TECHNOLOGY • Oculus warns Sony to solve motion sickness before launching VR headset PIGEONS OF P | 12 LEARN ARABIC • Learn commonly used Arabic words KATARA and their meanings P | 13 2 PLUS | WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 COVER STORY ByBy RaynaldR C Rivera robably one of the most photographed structures in Katara is the pigeon Ptowers which have been considered a hallmark of the cul- tural village. The five imposing towers never fail to attract every visitor’s atten- tion with their unique design punctuated with numerous holes and wood in a beautiful pattern. Unbeknown to many, these struc- tures reflect an important aspect of Arab heritage dating back hun- dreds of years. This and many more are discussed in detail in a new book released by the Research and Studies Department of Katara. Authored by Ali Yusef Al Kuwari in collaboration with Dr Ayman Nabih Saadallah, the 214- page Arabic documentary book entitled Carrier Pigeons in Katara delves into the typology, anatomy and physiology of carrier pigeons and their significant role in his- tory with particular focus on the Arab region. Arabs were known to be one of the first to become aware of the importance of pigeons which were known to exist 20 million years ago. Their sheer fascination of pigeons and their use prompted them to raise and take care of them; in fact they also wrote books on pigeon Documenting typology and their characteristics. the role of carrier pigeons PLUS | WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 3 During the Abassid Caliphate, Arabs began using pigeons to send messages, Built between besides horses and camels, as well as send signals crucial to people in turbu- 2006 and 2007, lent times. the towers were The use of carrier pigeons continued made from until the 12th and 13th Centuries. They were widely used in Egypt, in delivering environment messages from Cairo to various regions. friendly The role of carrier pigeons was also materials vital during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. Using them to deliver mes- including clay sages during this period was 99 percent and bricks and successful, that’s why they were consid- some pieces ered the first news agency in history and the first postal service in the world. of wood used White carrier pigeons were a product as projecting of breeding between wild and other types perches. of domestic pigeons which have strong body structure. Belgium was the first country in the world which domesticated this type of pigeon known for its speed in flying. They began to use it in corre- spondence and trade since 1850 between different villages and in London and Paris. In 1872 they began to use carrier pigeons in racing competitions. Pigeons are raised for a number of purposes. While some people rear them as a hobby for their beauty, others raise them for food. There are also those who take care of them to be used in racing competitions. Trainers take the carrier pigeons out to fly for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to get familiar with the area, to strengthen their bodies and get confidence. After months of training they are given time to rest and given a specific amount of food in order not to gain much weight. One distinct characteristic of pigeons is living in flocks and love for their home. It is for this reason that they can be well domes- ticated and used to carry messages since they always come back to their homes. Historical evidences tell pigeons existed 20 million years ago, even before human beings have existed. Based on archaeologi- cal findings, they were known to live in mountain caves around the world. Human beings, however, started domesticating them in specially designed houses such as pigeon towers to raise and protect them. There are five towers for carrier pigeons in Katara, three of which are located in the Western side near the mosque while the other two are in the east side near the Katara corniche. Built between 2006 and 2007, the tow- ers were made from environment friendly materials including clay and bricks and some pieces of wood used as projecting perches. The pigeon holes and wooden perches form a pattern which serves a decorative purpose owing its unique beauty and appeal that attracts many a passer-by. Each of the towers meas- ure around 4.25m in width and 15m in height and were strategically erected in dry areas which are healthy for pigeons and visible to visitors. To show the importance of the carrier pigeon and the need to preserve it, Katara recently imported 28 pigeons from abroad which are being bred this year. The 14 pairs were the finest breed known for their intelligence, speed and rarity. The Peninsula 4 PLUS | WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 CAMPUS QA students at the wrokshop. ‘Mind Your Brain’ workshop helps QA students understand their learning styles rain-based learning strategy expert John least ten common sleep thieves and how poor sleep and satisfaction, exercising and taking breaks Joseph worked with Qatar Academy stu- can hurt student performance. He concluded the from study. Going beyond the academic setting, Bdents recently in a workshop aimed at discussion by sharing easy to follow tips on how to he also discussed motivation and confidence with improving their learning skills. Aptly called ‘Mind get better sleep. His top ways on how to improve a broader look at achieving success later in life. Your Brain’, the workshop provides an under- homework likewise included helpful ideas such as In a related professional development session standing of how the brain works and how students designing and keeping a homework diary, creat- for teachers during the week and through the can use that knowledge to become ‘superstar ing graphic organisers to make remembering and Parenting with the Brain in Mind workshop for learners’. retrieving information easier and interesting strate- parents, Joseph’s message resonates with the The programme covers a multitude of topics gies like playing computer games or visiting social whole QA community: “Everyone thinks. It is ranging from improving homework to brain care networking sites first before doing homework. in our nature to do so. However, not everyone and various information processing models, all According to Joseph it is imperative that stu- thinks well and that includes some of top grade- presented in simple frameworks filled with tips to dents understand how their brain works and more achieving students”. Understanding how the brain engage students and help them identify their learn- significantly, how to utilise this understanding in works is important because “learning style, rather ing styles. For instance, Joseph shared a fairly sim- acquiring knowledge and skills in school based than intelligence, motivation or interest is often ple rule for brain care: get enough sleep each night. on their own learning style. Equally important is a major contributing reason for student perform- He backed this up with an exercise on identifying at learning how to de-stress and focus on enjoyment ance”. The Peninsula ABP students elect student association representatives tudents at Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Program (ABP) went to the polls last SWednesday, electing five candidates to serve in student government. In an unprecedented result, voters chose a female as the Student Association president for the third consecutive year. ABP student Wadad Al Jassim won the election for the coveted position of President. She follows last year’s female President, Nouran Allam, who is currently studying at the University. Two years ago, Aisha Al Muhannadi became the first female Student Association President in ABP history. She is now a sophomore at Northwestern University in Qatar majoring in Communications. Other ABP students Wafic Nassreddine and Mariam Hussain were named male and female Vice President, respectively. Mutaz Mohammed was elected Treasurer and Abdulla Shaat was announced as Secretary. All candidates spoke at an assembly the day prior to the election. Al Jassim explained during president also stated her desire to build a strong, students as an organized and driven leader. her speech that her greatest qualification was her cohesive unit within the student government. ABP Student Association candidates are approachability with fellow students. “I have made The theme of listening to student voices was one required to be in good academic standing with it a goal to speak with a variety of people here at that was echoed by female Vice President Hussain, grades of no less than 70 percent in each sub- the ABP,” she said. who offered her time, attention, and email address ject. Those running for President must have even “As Student Association President, I will do my in order to better serve the student body. Treasurer higher academic credentials, with no grades below best to represent our diverse student body.” The new Shaat also highlighted his desire to help represent 80percent in any subject. The Peninsula CAMPUS / COMMUNITY PLUS | WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2014 5 Amiri Gems opens flagship store at Barwa Al Sadd miri Gems opened a new store in Barwa Al Sadd.