Qatari and Russian UNESCO sites to become twin locations

Qatar Museums signed a twinning MoU with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and ANCO Land of Forts, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2021). As part of the MoU, the following UNESCO sites are to become twin locations: Qatar’s Al Zubara fort and the sea forts of Kronstadt (Kronschlot, Peter I, Emperor Alexander I) in Russia.

The MoU aims to facilitate the promotion of Qatari and Russian cultural heritage sites. In addition, the MoU will contribute to the development of Qatar-Russia cooperation in the field of culture and preservation of historical memory, the expansion of friendly, bilateral relations, as well as the establishment of contacts and partnerships between the tourist organisations in the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation.

The trilateral MoU was signed by Mr. Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums; Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; and Ms. Ksenia Shoigu, Head of the Project Office for the Creation of the Tourist and Recreational Cluster Project “Land of Forts”, during a signing ceremony held at Qatar’s SPIEF-2021 booth.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in St. Petersburg, Al-Namla, said: “The Russian Federation and the State of Qatar enjoy long-standing ties that have seen both countries partner on several initiatives over the years. It is a great pleasure to further extend our collaboration through this MoU, recognises that the development of relations in the fields of tourism is an important means of strengthening mutual understanding, expressing goodwill and furthering relations between peoples.”

Forts of Kronstadt — Kronschlot, Peter I, Emperor Alexander I — are unique sea fortifications — UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These objects were left unused for a long time. The time has come to give them a new life, to open them to people. Land of Forts is solving this task thanks to the support and interested participation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, as well as the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg. Our country has a strong partnership with Qatar. We are drawn together by a respectful attitude to traditions and humanitarian values, to history and cultural heritage. I sincerely hope that the exchange of experience with Qatari colleagues, cross-promotion and mutual support will have a positive impact on the future development of the forts, —  says Ms. Ksenia Shoigu, Head of the Project Office for the Creation of the Tourist and Recreational Cluster Project “Land of Forts”.

The archaeological complex of Al Zubara is Qatar’s largest heritage site. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the best-preserved examples of a merchant city in the Gulf region built in the 18-19th centuries. Al Zubara was built in 1938 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani to guard and protect the northwest coast of Qatar. It is located within the buffer zone of the Al Zubara World Heritage Site.

The forts “Kronschlot”, “Peter I”, “Emperor Alexander I” are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are the most important historical sites belonging to the tourist and recreational cluster currently being created in Kronstadt. As part of the project “Land of Forts”, the unique naval defences “Kronschlot”, “Peter I” and “Emperor Alexander I” will be restored and adapted for modern use. They will house museum expositions, public spaces and tourist infrastructure. The renovated forts will open their doors to visitors by 2025.

For more information about Qatar Museums, please visit qm.org.qa