Most of the pictures are sourced from Visit Qatar and Amiri Diwan and a few were shared by users on social media.
Doha: Old photos from Qatar throw light on the life and culture of the Qatari people and document the transformation that the country has witnessed over the years.
These pictures show the earlier avatar of several places like Souq Waqif - Al Bidda Tower- Old Sheikh’s Palace - Central Bank- Al Kahraba Street - Sheraton.
These pictures are a living witness to the great transformation that Qatar has undergone and how it transformed from a society dependent on pearl fishing to one of the rich countries in the world. Despite the rapid development, Qatar preserved and restored many of these historical and heritage places.
These old historical images give meaning to the new buildings in terms of comparison with the new ones.
These old places also bring the people together with the past of Qatar, so that Qataris retain their connection to the past years, despite the transformation of the environment around them.
Souq Waqif
Among these pictures, the decades old Souq Waqif is still an important part of daily life in Doha due to its central location in the city, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Souq Waqif
It is considered one of the most popular attractions in Doha, a thriving market, home to souvenirs, handmade items, local products, cafes and restaurants. Souq Waqif was renovated in 2006.
Sheraton Hotel
Also seen in these pictures is the Sheraton Hotel with its distinctive pyramid shape, a very important center for important conferences and meetings, and is a landmark in Qatar. The Sheraton Hotel was built in the shape of a pyramid on the shore of Doha Bay, and was opened on February 22, 1982 towering over the West Bay skyline.
Sheraton Hotel
The hotel is no longer alone like in old days, as today there are many unique and interesting buildings that have come up in the area. But it still retains its aura as one of the most unique buildings in Doha.
Old Sheikh’s Palace
Also pictured is the Old Sheikh’s Palace, known as the Old Palace. The building, which was the place of the government in Qatar, was restored and maintained as a cultural reminder.
Al Bidda Tower
Among other important landmarks is Al Bidda Tower, which was reconstructed as part of the restoration of Al Bidda Park, which is located near Doha Bay.
Central Bank
Also in the pictures is the Central Bank, which was known as the Qatar Monetary Agency. The headquarters of the Qatar Central Bank was established in 1973. Once established, the bank issued a new currency called the Qatari riyal, which is the country's official currency.
Al Kahraba Street
Another important image is the old Al Kahraba Street, which is the first street in Qatar to be fully lit with electricity.
Al Kahraba Street
The street is now located in the Musheireb area in the heart of Doha and is the first sustainable project to renovate downtown Doha.
To date, Qatar's development and progress are still at full speed as the globe shifts its eyes to the small peninsula in the Arabian Gulf for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November.
Despite opening up to the rest of the world and adapting to modern life, through countless skyscrapers and structures, the Qatari culture and tradition that make up the country were never lost as it continues to thrive with each generation and development over time.
