Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted a two-day lecture and workshop on Qatar's contemporary history on 10-11 January, examining the political, social, and cultural transformations that have shaped the nation in recent decades.
His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al‑Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, attended the lecture, which also drew a large gathering of researchers and academics specializing in Qatar’s modern history.
Professor Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, delivered the lecture with historian and Community College of Qatar lecturer Jassim Alshamari moderating discussions.
Drawing on academic research and historical analysis, Professor Baabood traced Qatar's modern trajectory, highlighting key developments within broader regional and global contexts.
A workshop held alongside the lecture offered participants a practical, reflective introduction to the methods used to analyze and document the nation’s contemporary history within the wider Gulf context.
In her opening remarks before the lecture, Eiman Saleh Alshamari, Manager of National Collection, National Collection and Special Initiatives and Manager of IFLA’s MENA Regional Office: said: “Reading contemporary history not only involves reviewing past events but also opens a broad window into understanding our present and grasping the context in which our nation’s institutions have evolved. Our recent history helps us interpret the social, economic, and institutional transformations from which we benefit today, and provides us with a deeper understanding of the development paths our society has taken.”
She added: “This lecture and the accompanying workshop reflect our firm belief in the importance of making historical knowledge accessible to the public and enhancing the presence of contemporary history in public discourse. This contributes to building societal awareness grounded in research and documentation, and moves beyond a superficial reading of events toward a more profound understanding of our national experience.” Professor Dr. Abdullah Baaboud said: “This lecture represents an attempt to understand the profound transformations that Qatar has witnessed since independence, by highlighting pivotal moments in the process of building the modern state. I have sought to present a comprehensive analytical reading grounded in local, regional, and international contexts, demonstrating how policies, economic discoveries, and national visions have contributed to shaping Qatari identity and the state’s growing regional and international role. I thank Qatar National Library for this kind invitation, which has allowed me to present these ideas to a diverse audience of researchers and individuals with a passion and interest in history.”
The event is part of QNL's ongoing efforts to promote historical awareness, academic research, and lifelong learning. Through such lectures, workshops, and discussions, the Library serves as a hub for knowledge exchange and cultural exploration.
