How the daughter of an oppositionist became the wife of an Arab ruler and queen of the hearts of the East: the brilliant Sheikh Mozah

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

It is hard to believe that only two decades ago, the situation of women in Qatar was extremely dire. They did not even have the right to vote and drive a car; it was almost impossible for a woman to get a good education. Today, they not only study at prestigious universities, but also compete with men in the country's political arena. And behind many of these changes is the personality of the magnificent Sheikha Moz, the daughter of a rebel who has become the true queen of the hearts of the East.

Worthy daughter of her father

Her father, Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Missnid, was a well-known businessman and politician in Qatar. His daughter Moza, born in 1959, was brought up from childhood with respect for Muslim traditions and with an awareness of the importance of education. It was her father who taught her to respect her roots, read the laws, but at the same time always strive for the best, develop, get an education and absorb knowledge. Moza, like all her brothers and sisters, studied in Great Britain, but she decided to get higher education in her homeland in Qatar.

She was not afraid of difficulties. The example of her father, who at one time was a political prisoner and was even forced to flee to Kuwait with his family, told her that you need to confidently go towards your goal and overcome problems as they arise. The attitude towards female students in Qatar in the 1970s was extremely negative, but Moza was determined to obtain a degree in sociology from the Qatar Institute.

It was during her student years that her fateful meeting with her future husband, the Crown Prince of Qatar, took place.

First lady

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani drew the attention of a young beautiful student and set out to win her heart. But the girl was biased towards the crown prince. Their fathers were bitter enemies, it was the father of the contender for her hand and heart who was for Moza the personification of outdated foundations. But Hamad was able to prove to young Moza: he is not at all a supporter of his father's policy and dreams of transformations in the country no less than she herself. As a result, the 16-year-old daughter of the oppositionist became the second wife of the ruler's son.

It seems that after the wedding, she had only one way: to give birth to her husband's children and always remain in his shadow. But Moza made her choice. At first, she really gave birth to children (she has seven, five sons and two daughters) and learned the intricacies of life in the palace. But in 1986 she returned to her studies, four years later graduated from the institute and continued her education at the University of Qatar, receiving a master's degree in public policy. Then she underwent an internship and training abroad, becoming the owner of honorary doctorates from prestigious American and British educational institutions.

With her intelligence, hard work and dedication, she earned the trust and admiration of her husband. An unthinkable thing, he began to reckon with her opinion, which was not accepted. Subsequently, historians will note the influence of Moza on her husband. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's second wife undoubtedly played a role in the peaceful coup in Qatar in 1995.

The beginning of the Sheikh's reign was marked by numerous reforms that turned Qatar into a progressive country. Even then, the Qatar Foundation was founded, headed by Sheikha Moz, and social development, science and education were included in his sphere of influence.

Eastern Queen of Hearts

Thanks to the activities of the fund, branches of prestigious educational institutions of the world began to open in the country, and all segments of the population gained access to education. Women who go to universities have ceased to be viewed with disapproval and condemnation, and now they can not be content with only the role of wife and mother.

In 2003, she became UNESCO's Special Envoy for Education. Sheikha Moza founded the Education Above All Foundation, which aims to help teenagers and youth from disadvantaged families grow up. Sheikha began to visit the countries of the Third World, where she was engaged in the implementation of educational projects and gave hope for the future. She did not just communicate with people, but opened the doors to the world of knowledge for them.

Today, Sheikha Moza is considered one of the most influential figures in the East, her services are marked by many prestigious awards, including the title of Lady Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She often appeared at receptions with her husband, accompanied him on trips and even went abroad without him, which was previously simply unthinkable for Qatari women. She did not seek to destroy traditions, but simply wanted the best for her country. According to Sheikha Moza, she was always inspired by the help and support of her husband, who believed in her "ability to bring positive change."

She is a true style icon for Arab women. Sheikha Moza does not wear hijabs, instead wearing exquisite turbans, and any European fashionista can envy her outfits from famous brands. At the same time, her appearance is exclusively the fruit of her taste, since the sheikh does not use the services of stylists.

She was able to take advantage of her influence on her husband and insist that he make the crown prince not his son from his first wife, but their eldest son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Therefore, after her husband leaves the throne, she continues to engage in social activities and is not going to retire.

Unfortunately, not in all Arab countries the life of the sheikh's wife is like a fairy tale. For 15 years Sheikh Ibn Rashid's younger wife in all interviews, she extolled the human qualities of her spouse and thanked God for the happiness of being near him. And then she ran away, taking the children and $ 40 million.