Qatar, a peaceful nation
Do you know what’s so special about September 21? Yes, it is the International Day of Peace! (or informally known as the World Peace Day). Almost everyone around the globe is preparing in their own way to welcome this day, and for my part I’d like to shed some light on how important Peace has been to Qatar.
This country has had its own share of bloodshed. However, it has strived hard to maintain peace among its people.
The flag of Qatar (named as “Al-Adaam” due to that unique maroon colour in it) is a clear depiction of peace. It’s believed that the white portion of the flag resembles “Peace” as opposed to the “Bloodshed” that the maroon stands for.
Also, Qatar has always been considered as the most peaceful nation in the Middle East and North Africa. Globally, according to the 2015 Global Peace Index, Qatar holds the 30th place out of 162 countries in terms of peace and stability.
The ranks of some of the other GCC countries are as follows,
- Kuwait - 33rd
- UAE - 49th
- Oman - 74th
- Saudi Arabia – 95th
- Bahrain - 107th
As per the data of Global Peace Index for the year 2015, Iceland bags the top spot as the world’s most peaceful country.
Qatar became an independent state on the 3rd of September. Until 2007, the national day of Qatar was been celebrated on September 3rd.
However, under the Emiri decree of 2007, the 18th of December was declared as Qatar’s national day, for it was on 18 December 1878 Jassem bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father as the Emir of Qatar and brought all the tribes in Qatar under one peaceful banner.
Let us all hope and pray that it always remains as peaceful as this.
Photography by Ray Toh
