Sharjah Heritage Days 2023 Launched By Ruler Of Sharjah With Cultural Exhibitions And Performances
The 22nd Sharjah Heritage Days commenced with an inauguration by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This event took place in the Heritage Area of the Heart of Sharjah. Attendees included H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The event, organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, carries the theme "Roots" and has drawn participants from local, Arab, and international communities. The Ruler of Sharjah was greeted with folk performances by bands such as Al Nadba, Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, and Al Habban. These performances highlighted the emirate's cultural richness.
Three major exhibitions are featured at the event to showcase Sharjah's cultural legacy. The "Roots" Exhibition delves into the emirate's history. "The Journey of Perfumes" traces the evolution of the perfume industry. Additionally, "A Century of Libraries" focuses on the history of the Al Qasimia Library from Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi's era to Sheikh Dr. Sultan's leadership.
Sharjah Heritage Days will host activities across seven cities: Sharjah City, Khorfakkan, Mleiha, Al Dhaid, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, and Al Hamriyah. New activities include celebrating a century since Sharjah's first library opened and a Booksellers Market featuring over 12 libraries. The UAE's largest Al-Ayala band performance will involve more than 300 folk artists.
The event offers a variety of activities such as live artistic performances, theatre workshops, folk craft demonstrations, and cinema screenings. A cultural café will host discussions on Emirati heritage with esteemed local researchers alongside book launches and signing events.
The Emirati Crafts Centre programme will feature 150 craftsmen from around the globe while the Arab Heritage programme will include a roundtable discussion with UNESCO experts. The International Storytelling School programme will present engaging activities and performances for attendees.
Global Participation in Folk Arts
Sharjah Heritage Days also highlights participation from GCC countries and several Arab nations including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Tunisia, Algeria and Lebanon. Gulf and international folk arts will be showcased through performances by Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, Yemeni, Georgian and Russian groups.
A wide range of interactive activities are available including workshops for traditional crafts training courses as well as youth councils aimed at engaging younger audiences in cultural practices.
This year's edition celebrates both local traditions and international influences through diverse programming that appeals to various interests while fostering cultural exchange among participants from different regions.
With inputs from WAM
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