Sharjah Institute For Heritage Hosts Programme Celebrating International Coffee Day And Cultural Significance Of Coffee

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) is hosting a lively programme from October 1 to 4, celebrating International Coffee Day on October 1. This event is part of the World Cultural Heritage Weeks in Sharjah, themed "Coffee is a Human Heritage." The programme aims to highlight coffee's cultural and historical significance as a symbol of shared human connection.

Held at the institute's headquarters in Sharjah, the event features contributions from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Arab communities, including Syria and Jordan. Participants from Italy and Ethiopia will also showcase their unique coffee traditions. Attendees can enjoy coffee tasting tours and learn about its uses in folk medicine.

Aisha Obaid Ghabesh, Director of Events and Activities at SIH, stated that celebrating International Coffee Day reflects the institute's commitment to highlighting shared human heritage. She noted that coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, with new varieties emerging in the industry. "Coffee holds a special place in cultural memory," she said.

In Arab culture, coffee symbolizes communication, generosity, and hospitality. Traditions surrounding coffee have been passed down through generations, making it integral to social gatherings. Cafés in the Arab world have historically served as hubs for dialogue and community interaction.

The programme includes various heritage and intellectual activities. On the first day, a dialogue session titled "Coffee is a Human Heritage" was held, moderated by Aisha Obaid Ghabesh. Panelists included Fatima Al Mughni and Ibrahim Sana. The second day featured a poetry session called "Samraa Al Shu'ara," moderated by Mohammed Hamdan.

This poetry session celebrated fragrant poems about coffee in Emirati heritage by poets like Hamdan Al-Samahi and Ateeq Al Qubaisi. Workshops and educational activities for school and university students are also part of the programme, enriching the experience for all attendees.

Enhancing Cultural Tourism

The celebration offers an opportunity for cultural institutions to showcase diverse aspects associated with coffee. It reinforces shared identities among societies and enhances cultural tourism through events that attract visitors. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and supports national projects in the coffee industry.

Performances from Arab communities will highlight traditions in coffee preparation, hospitality, and serving etiquette. Folk arts associated with coffee will be showcased alongside various coffee-derived products. These activities aim to enhance cultural tourism through festivals that attract visitors.

The event not only celebrates coffee but also strengthens civilizational connections among different societies. By showcasing diverse aspects associated with coffee, it supports national projects within the industry while fostering cross-cultural understanding among participants.

With inputs from WAM