Petrol ve sanat, Körfez Arap ülkelerinde çağdaş sanat müzeleri, vaka analizi: Katar ve Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri

This thesis examines the state and future of the Contemporary Art museums in the Arab Gulf. It provides a framework for understanding the collections and socio-political aims behind the formation of the new art museums in the region. In the last decade Arab Gulf countries became the center of attention in the art world with their grandiose museum projects. These new museums are in the spotlight with their designs by star architects such as Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, blockbuster exhibitions, expensive art commissions and partnerships with important western institutions such as the Louvre, British Museum and Guggenheim. In contrast to their contemporary image, Arab Gulf countries lack museum traditions, art education and collection culture. This conflicted nature of the museums raise questions about the patrons, museum 's missions, curatorial concepts and audience. For the museum case studies, this thesis focuses on Mathaf: Modern Arab Art Museum of Qatar and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi of UAE. They are investigated in terms of architecture, location, curatorial concept, art collection, management and ideology. These museums have similarities as well as differences. Both museums are part of major urban transformation projects and are a subject of cultural prestige in the global art world. Their curatorial concentration on Contemporary Arab Art puts them into a strategic position for writing the history of Arab art and museum studies.