Sharjah Institute For Heritage Highlights Efforts To Preserve Arab Cultural Heritage At Symposium

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), attended a symposium titled "Experiences in Documenting Arab Heritage." This event was part of the cultural programme at the 20th Alexandria International Book Fair. Intellectuals, academics, and heritage enthusiasts from various Arab nations participated in the gathering.

At the symposium's start, Dr Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, welcomed Dr Al Musallam. He stressed that this event aligns with the library's mission to promote cultural awareness. The aim is to educate younger generations on preserving Arab heritage as a vital cultural and civilisational identity.

Dr Zayed highlighted that over the past two years, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has launched documentaries focusing on Arab cultural heritage. These have been well-received by young audiences. The library prioritises preserving heritage and aims to strengthen its role in shaping cultural identity.

In his address, Dr Al Musallam discussed Sharjah's pioneering efforts in cultural heritage preservation. From initiatives in the 1970s to establishing SIH in 2014, Sharjah has led efforts to document Emirati and Arab culture scientifically.

Dr Al Musallam outlined key aspects of Sharjah's experience. It began with individual and institutional efforts, leading to the Heritage Department's creation and oral narratives documentation. Major projects include the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage and the Encyclopedia of Emirati Crafts and Professions.

The SIH plans to use artificial intelligence for documenting heritage elements. Additionally, it aims to enhance international cooperation through its "Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations," facilitating knowledge exchange between regional and global cultural institutions.

Future Directions

During his speech, Dr Al Musallam stated: "Intangible cultural heritage is not merely a past we preserve, but a future we shape through a deep understanding of our identity. This is what we strive for in the Emirate of Sharjah, through fieldwork, research, academic publishing, and regional and international cooperation."

The symposium concluded with distributing several SIH publications to attendees. This gesture reinforced SIH's commitment to preserving heritage and identity while continuing collaborative efforts between Sharjah and Alexandria in promoting Arab culture.

With inputs from WAM