UNESCO Celebrates Alheda'a: A Testament To The Arab-Camel Connection

Camels have been integral to life in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. They are not merely pack animals but also symbols of wealth, generosity, and travel. Over time, they became deeply embedded in the region's heritage.

This deep connection led to the creation of a beautiful folk art known as "Alheda'a". Passed down through generations, Alheda'a is an oral tradition where herders use sounds, gestures, and sometimes musical instruments to communicate with their camels. Inspired by poetry, these rhythmic expressions form a unique vocabulary that camels understand.

Herders employ Alheda'a to guide their herds through the desert, locate grazing pastures, and prepare them for watering, milking, and riding. It also acts as a crucial warning system, enabling quick assembly during sandstorms. Historical accounts attribute the invention of Alheda'a to Mudar bin Nizar. After falling from his camel, he repeatedly cried out: "Waidah! Waidah!" (Oh my hand!). The camels were drawn to his voice and began moving, sparking the tradition of using vocal cues to guide camels.

Initially, Alheda'a mimicked natural camel sounds with herders using noises like "heh", "doh", and "dah". These vocalizations, along with "Rajaz" (short, improvised poems), are still used today but vary depending on the environment. Over time, Alheda'a evolved into a more poetic form with distinct styles and vocabulary. It incorporated deeper meanings, sung verses, and balanced rhythms reflecting Bedouin culture.

According to Saudi folk heritage researcher Ibrahim Al-Khaldi, Alheda'a was vital for nomadic caravans. Typically involving two people reciting simple rhyming verses in unison, this practice encouraged camels while extracting water from wells. For larger tasks requiring distant camels to gather, up to four people might recite Alheda'a. Their voices carried over long distances in the quiet of night or dawn.

Significance in Modern Times

Alheda'a does not follow a single melody; it varies based on the environment. The poignant words resonate with camels and are deeply tied to herders' daily lives. Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Chairman of the Saudi Society for Camel Studies said that Alheda'a existed even in pre-Islamic times. It is sung during a camel's return to water or pasture or simply while traveling.

These short chants help gather camels, guide their movement, and direct them back to their resting place. Inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022, Alheda'a has various applications including chants for departure, travel, watering, gathering, and encouraging camels drawing water from wells.

Cultural Recognition

Recognizing this rich cultural heritage led to the establishment of the Camel Club under directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Further solidifying this connection is the Ministry of Culture's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of the Camel". This animal is seen as a cultural treasure and a pillar of national identity in Saudi society.

Camels hold a unique place in Arab society and even more so in Saudi Arabia. Their significance extends beyond practical uses; they embody cultural values and traditions that have been preserved through practices like Alheda'a.

This enduring tradition highlights how deeply intertwined camels are with Arabian life and heritage. As such practices continue to be celebrated and preserved, they ensure that future generations can appreciate this unique aspect of their cultural identity.

With inputs from SPA