24th Edition Of Sharjah International Narrator Forum To Celebrate 'Tales Of Birds'

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) held a press conference on Monday morning at the SIH’s Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, revealed the activities for the 24th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF). This event will take place from 18th to 22nd September under the theme "Tales of Birds."

During the press conference, it was announced that this year's Guest of Honour will be the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Bilad Shinqit). Mauritania was chosen due to its extensive oral and written traditions. Professor Dr. Moussa Ould Abno will represent this legacy as the Honorary Personality, while the late narrator Yahya Ould Rajel will be honoured as the Memorial Personality.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam highlighted that over 145 narrators, experts, and researchers from more than 32 countries will participate in this forum. He stated, "Each year, we renew our meeting with narrators and their valuable folk knowledge at the SINF, which has become a destination for bearers of folk heritage from all over."

Aisha Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre of SIH and General Coordinator of SINF, emphasised that this cultural event bridges heritage and storytelling across generations. She explained that birds were chosen as this year's theme due to their deep symbolism in cultures worldwide. Birds symbolise freedom and peace and carry stories from past to present.

The forum aims to highlight bird tales from various cultures to enhance understanding among peoples. This year’s forum will host storytellers and experts who will share their unique experiences. Workshops and seminars will also be conducted to develop storytellers' skills in innovative ways.

New Additions

The press conference revealed three new additions for this edition:

1. Living Human Treasures Card: To be distributed to honoured narrators following UNESCO's programme.

2. Interactive Story Hall - Said and the Owl Adventure: An interactive experience titled "Said and the Owl (Umm Kant) Adventure."

3. Heritage Talk (Meeting of Generations): A session aimed at fostering dialogue between generations.

Additionally, there will be a Narrator Carnival featuring storytellers, workshop organisers, and school students roaming through three buildings of the institute.

Storytelling Neighborhood

This year's forum will explore stories through the Storytelling Neighborhood, returning with new ideas, characters, and methods. The event will also feature an exhibition titled "Bird Tales in Emirati, Arab, and Global Heritage." More than 35 diverse titles focusing on bird tales will be signed as part of the forum's publications.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam expressed gratitude towards H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi for his guidance in honouring living human treasures globally. He said, "We come together to honour living human treasures from around the world, sharing their experiences and interacting with those of others."

Several organisations, cultural centres, universities, and institutes are expected to participate in this edition. The forum serves as a platform showcasing folk culture's richness while preserving national identity through oral heritage.

The opening session will celebrate Mauritanian storytelling heritage along with individual efforts to preserve it. This gathering aims to reinforce the status and value of narrators worldwide by sharing diverse experiences.

The Sharjah International Narrator Forum continues to be an essential annual occasion that connects different generations through rich cultural narratives.

With inputs from WAM