Doha, Qatar: In a move that underscores Katara’s mission to preserve cultural heritage and support and showcase authentic handicrafts and traditional industries, the “Bisht House” was inaugurated in Building 22 at the Katara Cultural Village Foundation.
The opening was attended by, General Manager of Katara Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti along with a number of the foundation’s officials and a select group of those interested in heritage and handicrafts.
The Bisht House comprises a collection of specialised pavilions showcasing the stages of bisht making, from its initial beginnings to its final stages.
Visitors learn about the mechanisms for selecting and preparing materials and fabrics, progressing through the embroidery and traditional designs such as the hila and buruj, using gold and silver zari threads to sew the edges and collars, culminating in the final finishing that transforms the bisht into a luxurious garment reflecting authenticity and heritage.
Sami Al-Hawaj, owner and founder of the Bisht House, stated that bisht making is one of the oldest handicrafts and traditional industries that has flourished in Qatar, the Gulf countries, and the Arab world for a long time.
He pointed out that the opening of the Bisht House in Katara presents a valuable and significant opportunity to introduce this ancient craft to a large audience of interested individuals and visitors.
He added that the bisht is not merely a piece of fabric, but a complete work of art that begins with taking the customer’s measurements, continues through cutting the fabric, and is executed with high precision, becoming a heritage piece that embodies the rich tradition of handicrafts in Qatar and the region. He pointed out that the bisht is distinguished by its designs, colours, and high quality, giving its wearer an elegant look imbued with a touch of luxury.
Al-Hawaj explained that visitors to the Bisht House will discover various types of summer and winter bishts, adorned with different kinds of German, French, and Indian zari (gold thread).
In addition, a collection of bishts dating back more than half a century are also displayed, alongside examples of traditional Qatari clothing made of wool and embroidered with gold zari threads, each possessing a unique character that distinguishes it from the others.
Beit Al-Bisht offers an integrated experience of a traditional craft that is one of the most beautiful crafts that requires high precision and mastery, and adds distinctive artistic touches to each piece, so that the bisht remains a work of art in its own right, embodying heritage, identity and authentic elegance.
