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Home , Military band

06 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Reports by Ashraf Siddiqui For events and press releases email [email protected] or Slice of the West call (974) 4000 2222

Mehter contigent at Qatar National Day 2018 parade on the Doha Corniche. Turkish band brings European touch to Qatar National Day parade MEHTER puts up a fabulous show of centuries-old musical tradition, a combination of classical and Sufi genres, to jazz up QND celebrations

he tunes played by a 74-member contingent of highly skilled Turkish mili- tary band Mehter, one of the world’s oldest military bands, providedT European touch to the recently held Qatar National Day Parade 2018 and added to the gravitas of the occasion. Standing out in their amazing traditional outfit, especially ‘Tuğ’ and ‘Sancak’, the Turkish band was an object of attraction not only at the parade on the Doha Cor- niche but also at the family hotspot of Ka- tara Cultural Village. The band was led by Col. Metin Kasgan. Doha- based Turkish Defence Atta- che Col Mehmet Aksoy said that he was Defence Atttache, Colonel Mehmet Aksoy (left), and Military Defence Attache, Colonel deeply touched to see Mether members Kerim Kem (right), seen with members of Turkish army’s band. perform along with the inspiring and gorgeous units of brotherly country of HE Ikret Ozer with a section of Mehter at Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Doha. Qatar at the grand National Day parade. Col Aksoy said that the presence of De- cultural contacts, trade, visits of physi- pated in the Qatar National Day events on fence Minister of HE Hulusi Akar cians, scientists, religious scholars and December 18 last year. along with other world dignitaries testi- diplomats, etc. Mehter concept has now become an fies to the deeper bilateral relationship Mehter is a mix of classical integral part of Turkish culture. Since between the brotherly countries of Tur- , especially the Sufi genre, almost 1991, the Turkish Ministry of Cul- key and Qatar as well as Qatar’s status Tasavvuf and military music, which incor- ture has been working to preserve the out- as world player enjoying diplomatic and porates the outstanding values of Turkish standing elements of Turkish culture in- trade relations across various regions in culture. Elegantly designed dresses worn cluding original style and characteristics the world. in style by the army musicians soon be- of the classical Turkish music, both Sufi Elaborating on the highly skilled and came popular in European states. For al- and military music. well-trained musicians of the Turkish most 400 years of Othoman Empire, Me- In this regard, it was important to military band, Col Aksoy said after cross- hter music and well-designed uniforms establish a community of the artists and ing of the Bosforus by the Ottoman forces remained the key elements of festivities in equipment including repertory studies in 13th century, Turkish influence started a number of European states, Col. Aksoy and style of performances. The ensem- spreading very fast and played a ma- added. bles now perform in various concerts jor role for the next almost 4-500 years, He said that Mehter concept has gone performing both new songs as well as mainly in . Right from the estab- through various stages, finally taking the classical songs, which were abolished lishment of the , the in- its present shape around 100 years ago. in 1826 with ‘Yeniceri Ocagi’ and in the fluence of the military musicians spread Today, Mether unit is comprised of 142 dervish lodges ‘Tekke” which was closed A spectacular view of Qatar National Day celebrations at Katara Cultural Village, Doha. across Europe through regular inter-state members, of which 72 members partici- in 1925.

For this dance teacher from Down Under, Qatar is home away from home

achel Franzen, an Austral- She said that her students’ per- ian national who moved to formances are not limited to Qatar. Qatar around six years ago “Two of my students participated accompanying her senior ho- in World Irish Dancing Champi- Rtelier husband, has virtually turned onships in Glasgow, Scotland in into Qatar’s ‘cultural ambassador’ April 2018. The dancers have done with pupils in her dancing school the region proud, with one of them competing and winning in global bringing home the prestigious Ais- dance competitions. ling Award presented to the high- Franzen, who claims to be the est-placed dancer from a region first qualified Irish dance teach- where the Irish dance forms are er in the , runs her just developing.” dance school Irish Dance Arabia She said that during the sum- where would-be dancers from mer months of May and June, age seven to seventeen not only when shooting temperatures learn the first dancing steps but prompt many of Qatar residents go on to master the art aiming to to cut back on physical exertions, participate in prestigious dancing sixteen dancers from age seven competitions around the world. to seventeen were putting them- She said that success in the Irish selves through rigorous training Dance Adjudicator’s Exam is qui- for participation in numerous et challenging and the pass rate is during the meeting. en spend their free time in a con- countries, she said 2018 has been by International School of London, events for the Regional World hardly 25%. “Qatar is a unique country in structive manner engaging in social a good year for Irish Dance Arabia Doha ’s Spring Fair, Friend- Qualifying competition held from In a tete-a-tete with this corre- that it hosts over 100 different activities, mainly focused on serv- despite the blockade. Her young ship Festival of American School 30th November to 2nd Decem- spondent, Franzen shared her ex- communities representing almost ing the underprivilleged sections students from various nationalities Doha and the most prestigious ber, 2018 in Amsterdam. They periences in Qatar, which she finds all the regions of the world. Peace of society, helping the youth learn performed at various events all over event in Qatar’s Irish community were training 3-4 times a week a home away from home. “It’s great and security in Qatar are the skills and develop self-confidence. Doha. These events included Qatar calendar, the Irish society’s annual in addition to extra training at to be in Qatar, and we enjoy our factors that make families prefer Talking about the impact of the Academy’s International Day, In- St. Patrick’s Day Ball held in March home to ensure that they make stay here very much,” Rachel said living here. Many expatriate wom- siege on Qatar by a quartet of Arab ternational Food Fair organised at the Grand Hyatt Doha. the mark.