Heritage Conference In Sharjah Launches New Publications On Arab Culture And Travel Literature

The Second Heritage Conference, hosted by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, recently took place at the Arabian Heritage Centre in University City, Sharjah. The event, themed "Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of Others," introduced a series of new publications. These works aim to enhance the heritage and knowledge library by exploring Arab heritage as perceived by travellers and orientalists.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighted that these new publications are part of the Institute’s continuous efforts to document folk culture. He noted that these books are the result of extensive research by experts in travel literature, orientalism, and heritage studies. They aim to deepen mutual understanding between nations and offer varied perspectives on Arab culture.

The conference saw the launch of several notable works. Among them were "Cursetjee’s Journey to the Gulf" and "Heritage Cities in the Arab World," both authored by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam. Other significant titles included "UAE Heritage in Travel Literature" by Dr Mani Bounama and "Antar" by Alphonse de Lamartine, translated by Dr Shaker Nouri.

Additional publications featured at the event were "Countries of the Arab World in the Paintings of Orientalists" by Dr Rabee Ahmed Sayyed and "Lights of the East Shine in the Mirror of the West" by Dr Osama Ladhqani. These books provide diverse insights into how Arab heritage is viewed through different lenses.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with authors during discussions about their research experiences. These conversations explored questions raised by their books regarding Arab heritage as seen through external perspectives. The interactive atmosphere underscored the vibrancy of Sharjah's cultural scene.

The newly launched publications are presented in a scientific and methodical format. They open new avenues for readers to understand their own heritage within various cultural contexts. By offering multiple viewpoints on heritage, these works reflect diverse interpretations of Arab culture as perceived by others.

The conference's theme aimed to shed light on how Arab heritage is viewed globally while opening new horizons for researchers in travel literature and comparative heritage studies. This initiative represents a significant addition to academic and intellectual circles interested in folk culture documentation.

These efforts contribute to reinforcing Arab cultural presence academically while fostering deeper connections between different cultures. By examining how others perceive Arab heritage, these publications encourage readers to explore their identity within a broader global context.

With inputs from WAM