Dr. Nasser Sahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (left) presenting his research.
Doha, Qatar: A groundbreaking research study conducted by Dr. Nasser Sahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO), has revealed significant musical links between Qatar and Uzbekistan.
The study, titled “Musical culture of Qatar and its links with Uzbekistan: History and Modernity,” sheds light on the striking similarities in musicality between the two nations.
Dr. Sahim’s research focused on various genres of music, particularly social music from folklore and Maqam music. He discovered a strong commonality between Qatar and Uzbekistan in terms of musical traditions, revealing a deep-rooted connection.
The findings of the study were exemplified last year when the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra organised two concerts featuring Qatari and Uzbek music. Kamoliddin Urinbaev, the esteemed founder, artistic director, and chief conductor of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, conducted the performances.
When asked about the impact of the conclusion on the relationship between Qatar and Uzbekistan, Dr. Sahim expressed his belief that the interaction between the two countries has already begun. The collaboration between QPO and Kamoliddin Urinbaev, as well as the integration of Uzbek traditional instruments into Qatar’s compositions, have facilitated a cultural exchange and brought the two nations closer. The public may witness once again the music of both Qatar and Uzbek combined in a concert this September, Dr. Sahim told The Peninsula.
Urinbaev will return here to conduct a new composition composed by Dr. Sahim which expertly blends Qatari Arabian Maqam with Uzbek Maqam, showcasing the harmonious fusion of their musical legacies. “Maqam is a mood where we use to make our compositions,” he explained.
Dr. Sahim emphasised the importance of recognising the shared musical heritage between Qatar and Uzbekistan. He noted that this research marks the first comprehensive study that brings together the cultural and musical traditions of both countries. It highlights the historical influence of Islam on music in the Middle East and Central Asia, revealing striking similarities in lyrics, instruments, and social songs such as lullabies and Eid songs.
The significance of this research lies in its ability to educate and inspire future generations. By uncovering the connections between Qatar and Uzbekistan, Dr. Sahim aims to foster a greater appreciation for cultural heritage and musical traditions among the youth.
Dr. Dalia Orabi, Professor in Faculty of Music Education at Helwan University in Egypt said the research is “innovative, creative and conducted to gain a new understanding of traditional music.”
“I am dazzled by the great work in the study as the first Qatari document to create a strong foundation and links between notable organizations as the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan.”
Qoutayba Neaimim, Professor of Composition at the Conservatoire royal de Mons (Belgium), Member of the Belgian Composers Forum (part of the International Composers Forum) and Musical Advisor for Opera Lebanon said that Dr. Sahim’s research “makes for a significant contribution to the academic world, particularly regarding the Qatari musical heritage that was, up till now, less documented in spite of its interest.”
After two years of dedicated research and conducting interviews in both countries, Dr. Sahim plans to publish his dissertation as a book and will be available in Arabic, English, Russian, and Uzbek languages, ensuring accessibility to researchers and music enthusiasts worldwide.
The Qatar National Library, as well as libraries in Russia and Uzbekistan, will house physical copies, while an electronic version will be made available as an e-book.
