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EveryParampara

Traditions of Doha

A Gulf capital whose old market, Souq Waqif, keeps falcons, spices and the evening coffee ritual.

Doha was once a small town of pearl divers and fishermen. Today it is a vast capital, but the traditions of the Qatari Bedouin and the pearl coast are preserved in its markets and festivals. Souq Waqif, rebuilt in the old style, is the best place to see them.

Doha: Doha skyline in the morning
Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Falcons, majlis and Garangao

Qatari families keep falcons as companions, and the hospital in Souq Waqif treats them. On Garangao, the thirteenth night of Ramadan, children walk door to door singing and collecting sweets and nuts. At Eid, the old tradition of the arda dance is performed with swords and drums.

At the table

Machboos, harees, and thareed, a bread and meat stew, are staples. Karak chai, strong tea with evaporated milk and cardamom, is drunk at every corner. During Ramadan, iftar is offered in tents to workers and anyone who needs a meal. Dates and Arabic coffee welcome every guest.

Signature traditions of Doha

Also part of it, and being written: Garangao (The children's night of Ramadan.), Falconry (The art of hunting with falcons.), Thareed (The bread and meat stew.), Souq Waqif (The traditional market.).

A trail idea for Doha

  1. Souq Waqif Visit at dusk for shisha cafes and falcons.
  2. Museum of Islamic Art See manuscripts and ceramics.
  3. Katara A cultural village with a seaside amphitheatre.
About this page

Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.

KindSpiritualFestivalRite of passageTable customSeasonalDressPerformanceEtiquetteCraftGameFolkloreHomeCeremony
MealBreakfastLunchDinnerSupperTea-time and snacking customsTea, coffee and drinking ceremoniesSweets given and sharedFeasts and festival mealsFasting and breaking the fast

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