Sightseeing in Doha
Bin Zaid
(known previously as Fanar or Qatar Islamic Culture Center and Spiral Mosque) is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is a prominent landmark in the city.
The center's most distinguished feature is its mosque, which has a unique minaret design inspired by the 9th-century Great Mosque of Samarra. It remains the tallest mosque in Qatar.
In the foreground is Souq Waqif, a market in the center of Doha. It sells traditional clothing, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market also houses restaurants and hookah bars. The market building, built in the mid-20th century, is designed in the traditional Qatari architectural style and was renovated in 2008.
Souq Waqif originally served as a place for trade between Bedouins and locals, primarily goods for livestock. However, the market fell into disrepair in the 1990s, and in 2003, much of it was destroyed by fire. This prompted a government restoration program to preserve the market’s architectural and historical identity. Buildings dating from the 1950s were demolished, and older structures were renovated.
Sightseeing in Doha
Bin Zaid
(known previously as Fanar or Qatar Islamic Culture Center and Spiral Mosque) is a cultural organization in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is a prominent landmark in the city.
The center's most distinguished feature is its mosque, which has a unique minaret design inspired by the 9th-century Great Mosque of Samarra. It remains the tallest mosque in Qatar.
In the foreground is Souq Waqif, a market in the center of Doha. It sells traditional clothing, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market also houses restaurants and hookah bars. The market building, built in the mid-20th century, is designed in the traditional Qatari architectural style and was renovated in 2008.
Souq Waqif originally served as a place for trade between Bedouins and locals, primarily goods for livestock. However, the market fell into disrepair in the 1990s, and in 2003, much of it was destroyed by fire. This prompted a government restoration program to preserve the market’s architectural and historical identity. Buildings dating from the 1950s were demolished, and older structures were renovated.