Sharjah Institute For Heritage Unveils Monument In Korea Honouring Al-Ayyala Traditional Art

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has introduced a monument on Nami Island, Republic of Korea, celebrating the traditional Emirati art of "Al-Ayyala." This initiative highlights the UAE's cultural richness and aims to establish a cultural connection between the two nations. The unveiling was attended by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of SIH, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to Korea, and Fred Minn, CEO of Nami Island Arts & Education.

The monument is located in "UAE Park" and symbolises the UAE's heritage and growing cultural ties with South Korea. It embodies Al-Ayyala, representing the authentic values passed down through generations in the UAE. This initiative underscores the significance of intangible cultural heritage in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam highlighted that this project aligns with H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's vision to engage in dialogue and embrace diverse knowledge and arts. He emphasised that cultural preservation goes beyond geographical boundaries, promoting global civilizational and intellectual exchange.

Al-Musallam noted that Al-Ayyala is more than a traditional art; it expresses unity among UAE people. Through this monument, he hopes to create new opportunities for cultural cooperation and human connection between different cultures.

The monument stands as a significant element in cultural exchange efforts, reaffirming strong ties with South Korea through a symbol reflecting rich heritage. Visitors to Nami Island can experience authentic UAE arts and traditions through this installation.

Al-Musallam added that this monument showcases SIH's global mission to promote Sharjah's culture and enhance awareness about heritage preservation for future generations. The unveiling coincides with the 10th anniversary of Al-Ayyala's inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Design and Features

The monument is crafted from stainless steel with a polished finish on a marble-covered concrete base, ensuring durability for ten years on Nami Island. It features seven pillars connected to a single base, symbolising the unity of the seven emirates. Each pillar bears the names of the emirates in Arabic and English.

Atop the pillars are handgrips holding traditional sticks used in Al-Ayyala performances, artistically integrated to reflect performers' dynamic spirit. A central metal plaque displays "UAE" in Arabic and English, along with SIH’s logo and a QR code linking to informative videos about Al-Ayyala in multiple languages.

With inputs from WAM