Sharjah Explores City Identity And Cultural Legacy At Thessaloniki Book Fair

Dr. Sultan Sooud Al Qasimi, a member of the Heritage Preservation Committee in the UAE and the American University of Sharjah Board of Trustees, highlighted that a city's identity goes beyond its physical heritage, cultural expressions, architectural prominence, and historical monuments. Instead, it is deeply connected with the collective memory of its inhabitants, reflecting a shared human identity and cultural legacy.

This insight was shared during a panel discussion titled "City Identity" organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at the ongoing Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024. The panel also featured Nikos Vatopoulos, Professor at the University of Thessaloniki, a transport engineer, and the President of Thessaloniki City Council. The discussion was moderated by Katerina Tsapikidou, Director of the International Relations Service in Thessaloniki under the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Discussing his book "City Identity", Al Qasimi stated, "I wanted to explore the history of Sharjah because it encapsulates the broader history of the Gulf region. Many pioneering efforts began in Sharjah, including journalism, municipal infrastructure, establishing the airport, and introducing postal services."

The completion of this book spanned five years, a process prolonged by the dispersal of early immigrants who carried away their documents, photographs, and records upon their departure. Despite this obstacle, Al Qasimi diligently gathered a wealth of previously unseen photos and documents, now unveiled for the first time within the pages of this book.

Collaborative Efforts and Cultural Diversity

"This collaborative book, authored by 17 writers, chronicles 16 iconic building projects in Sharjah, including a cinema with an integrated Chinese restaurant, showcasing the city's cultural diversity since the 1960s," he added. The book features a collection of globally sourced photographs, such as an image of the Flying Saucer building obtained from an Australian maintenance worker.

Although not initially focused on this aspect, they were determined to capture the building's narrative. To this end, they commissioned a sci-fi writer to craft a fantasy-based story about the Flying Saucer, making them pioneers in employing this innovative approach in documenting architectural structures.

Architectural Highlights

During the discussion, Al Qasimi showcased a photograph of the Sharjah Post Office created by the Lebanese company Dar Al-Handasah. The design features beautiful architectural depictions in the form of a bird while also embodying an Islamic identity within the building. He also shared an image of a commercial structure designed by Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis.

Al Qasimi acknowledged contributions from the Greek company "Archadion" in developing the port of Sharjah, highlighting strong connections between Sharjah and Greece.

Nikos Vatopoulos on Athens and Collaboration

Nikos Vatopoulos, author of Walking in Athens, discussed how his book portrays contemporary literary and urban narratives of Athens, showcasing the city's rich cultural layers. He called for closer ties between Sharjah and Thessaloniki, emphasising collaboration's importance.

Vatopoulos recognised Sharjah as a leader in nurturing Emirati and Arab relations with Greece across various domains such as architecture, art, literature, and culture. He also shed light on Thessaloniki’s ongoing exploration of its cultural identity post-liberation from Ottoman rule.

Thessaloniki's Cultural Identity

In concluding his viewpoints, Vatopoulos acknowledged Thessaloniki's status as Greece's cinematic hub and discussed complexities involved in developing the metro network amidst the city's multifaceted urban heritage. This heritage encompasses remnants from Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman eras.

With inputs from WAM