Museum of Islamic Art: Why is it a must visit place in Doha?

Museums are magical places. They have this innate ability to transport us into unchartered territories; to places, we’ve never been and to cultures, we’ve never experienced. Without museums, humanity without a doubt would be less emphatic and harsh.

Today, we’re talking about one such museum. It’s the Museum of Islamic art and it’s in Doha, Qatar. Well, now you’ve got one good reason to apply for that Qatar Visa this summer.

Even if you visit Qatar for just one place, make sure it’s the Museum of Islamic Art. If you happen to fly from India, make sure to visit Musafir India; from online visa application to great ticket prices, they are a great travel firm to do business with.

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has become an integral part of the Dohan landscape. Among the glittering glass skyscrapers and restaurants is a museum set on its very own island.

As you spot the building, it will remind many of a postmodern fortress with its design and minimal windows. The building’s design draws inspiration from ancient Islamic architecture, especially the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. The museum houses collections from three continents on Islamic arts. It’s a place where you get a rewarding exposure to Islam.

Renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei whose credits include the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris designed the building. It was Pei’s idea to construct a stand-alone island for MIA because he didn’t want any other building to encroach it. The museum’s main building rises five floors, a park with extensive landscaped lawns and trees surround it. The museum’s facilities include a gift shop, classrooms, prayer halls, ablution facilities, a restaurant, and a theatre as well.

The museum collection is impressive, to say the least. The MIA aims to showcase the history of Islamic art world spanning over a thousand years. The collection includes ceramics, metalwork, glass, manuscripts, and textiles. A good way to explore and learn from the museum collections is through the free guided tours, held every Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm, they are free of cost.

Qatar and Doha’s expansion and rise have a motive. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruling Emir of Qatar wanted to make Qatar the capital of culture. The Museum of Islamic Art was the result of this endeavour. The museum’s vision it to become the centre of knowledge, dialogue, and learning that throws light on Islamic art.

This is Why the Foodie in You Wants to Take a Trip to Mumbai

Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Hanging Garden, Bandra-Worli Sealink, Mani Bhavan and Jahangir Art Gallery are surely in every tourist’s spotlight, on their first trip to Mumbai. But what makes them come back to the city, again and again, is its crisp and lush treats. Here are five places with their best served foods that allures every foodie:

Graduate Vada Pav

Graduate vada pav stall crowns the crowded street of Byculla station in South Mumbai. Established for over 16 years now, it is owned by a Satara family and gets 1500 to 2000 customers every day; you will never find this store empty. Authentic vada pavs with your choice of chatni—chilli, garlic and/or tamarind, it is as simple as it can get.

Sardar Pav Bhaji

If you are craving for a rich and cheesy treat, you got to stop at Sardar in tardeo circle! A pav bhaji fan or not, no one leaves Mumbai without tasting this spicy preparation of mashed vegetables augmented with dollops of butter and served alongside pav bread.

Badshah’s Chat

Badshah stall in Girgaon Chowpatty serves a range of chats, including sev puri, bhel puri, pani puri, dahi papdi, and aloo chat, with its own healthy additions of sprouted lentils and fresh herbs. Every vendor in Badshah uses plastic gloves, and hence the food here is as clean as it is scrumptious. Above all, it serves these snacks in full spirit of Mumbai, i.e. alongside the sea shore.

New Kulfi Centre

Established in 1960, New Kulfi Centre has deep roots in the city. Based opposite to Girgaon Chowpatty in Charni Road, it serves 36 flavours of Indian ice-creams, everything from pistachio and mango to malayi and chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth, this place has a name for your every craving.

Bademiya’s Chicken Tikka Roll

Mumbai makes even the laziest butt get going, and that’s why it has the tastiest food options on its good to go list. While rolls are the most popular meal in the city, second only to the legendary vada pav, chicken tikka rolls in Bademiya surpasses all. Situated behind Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba, its meaty goodness is best enjoyed in late-night enchantment.

Planning your next trip, already? Check Jet Airways flights to Mumbai and book your tickets online.