Latest news with #AlMusallam
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH chairman explores Bibliotheca Alexandrina facilities
Exploring displays and restoration laboratories The visit included a tour of the Manuscripts and Antiquities Museums, as well as visiting the "Alexandria Through the Ages" exhibitions, which showcase rare Egyptian and global cultural treasures. Dr Al Musallam also toured the restoration laboratory and digital archives, where he learnt about advanced ways for conserving historical documents and cultural items. Engagement with publishers at the international book fair He also went to the continuing Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair, which was held in the library's courtyard. He toured the displays of several publishing houses and evaluated new publications in heritage, history, and the humanities. He spoke with publishers and cultural figures about the value of knowledge sharing in preserving Arab cultural identity. Reflections on visit Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam commented on the visit, saying, "It was an honour to visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina today, a unique cultural landmark that connects authenticity and modernism and offers the wonderful humanitarian message of preserving knowledge and history." The diversity of specialisations and initiatives here confirms that we are witnessing a knowledge institution befitting of Alexandria's rich history and future ambitions. At the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, we treasure this experience and look forward to future cultural collaborations." Strengthening cultural ties The visit is part of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage's efforts to strengthen cultural relations with leading Arab institutions and exchange expertise in the fields of documentation, heritage preservation, and specialised academic publishing.
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
Abdulaziz Al Musallam documents Sharjah's efforts to preserve Arab heritage
The symposium was attended by a select group of intellectuals, academics, and heritage enthusiasts from various Arab countries. Egyptian Welcome and Awareness Message At the beginning of the symposium, Dr Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, welcomed His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, emphasising that this event falls within the Library's vision of promoting cultural awareness and spreading an awareness message to younger generations about the importance of preserving Arab heritage as a cultural value and civilisational identity. Dr Ahmed Zayed pointed out that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has launched a series of documentaries over the past two years addressing topics related to Arab cultural heritage. This initiative has been widely received and well-received by young people. He emphasised that the library places great importance on preserving heritage and is working to consolidate its role in shaping cultural identity. Sharjah's Pioneering Experience In his speech, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam highlighted the Emirate of Sharjah's pioneering experience in preserving cultural heritage, from its early beginnings in the 1970s to the establishment of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in 2014, the first scientific institution specialising in the preservation and documentation of Emirati and Arab cultural heritage. Heritage Preservation Projects Al Musallam reviewed the main themes of the experience, beginning with the early individual and institutional efforts, through the establishment of the Heritage Department and the documentation of oral narratives , and ending with the major projects undertaken by the institute, such as the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, the Encyclopedia of Emirati Crafts and Professions, and the Thesaurus of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab World. Al Musallam praised the effective role played by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in digitising these efforts within an integrated scientific framework. Artificial Intelligence Al Musallam also revealed SIH intention to use artificial intelligence technologies to document heritage elements, in addition to enhancing international cooperation through the institute's "Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations," which provides a platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge between cultural institutions at the regional and international levels. Heritage: Our Identity and Our Future During the symposium, Al Musallam emphasised that "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 the presentation of a number of Sharjah Institute for Heritage publications to the attendees, affirming the institute's mission to "preserve heritage and preserve identity," and the continued joint efforts between Sharjah and Alexandria in serving Arab culture.
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH launches Abdulaziz Al Musallam's "Cursetjee's Journey" book
The publication offers an in-depth critical reading of the journey of an Indian traveler of Persian origin to the Gulf region in the late nineteenth century, revealing racist and class-based prejudices in the description of Arabs within an Orientalist context influenced by the British colonial vision. The 68-page publication is part of the Institute's 2025 publications. It is the result of a field and cultural trip Al Musallam made to Mumbai, India, last June, searching its government archives for documents related to the Gulf. The trip, in collaboration with several academics, including researcher Dr Chhaya Goswami, explored the city's government archives for documents related to the Gulf. A shocking text and a documentation project The project began more than two decades ago, when Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam found the book "Land of the Date" in an office and was surprised by its shocking content. In the book, the author describes the Gulf residents in disparaging terms, including: "Most of them are Arabs and Persians... They are characterised by their coarse nature and hideous appearance... These passengers rarely wash, or do not wash at all." He also described the workers as: "Similar to a group of vagabonds... Noisy, dirty, and hideous... The passengers liken them to Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." This harsh language prompted Al Musallam to delve deeper into the travelogue and analyse the cultural and social contexts that shaped this biased view of the people of the Gulf and the region. A Cultural analysis of a colonial context The book deals with Cursetjee's journey from Bombay to Basra between 1916 and 1917, at the height of World War I, when British influence was rising in the Gulf. The traveler provides an accurate description of the ports, people, customs, natural phenomena, and myths. However, reading the book critically reveals a biased perspective that reflects the condescending view that prevailed in British Orientalist discourse toward Arabs during that period. A publication that represents an ongoing project Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam emphasised that these publications are not just written papers, but rather an intellectual project that reflects the commitment of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE to preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations." He added that this work represents the first part of an expanded project, to be published later in a second part. The project will address the traveler's notes during his visits to several other Arab countries and regions, including his observations on architecture, social life, markets, and local people, in an attempt to connect the textual image to the historical and cultural reality of that period.
Sharjah 24
02-07-2025
- Sharjah 24
Abdulaziz Al Musallam opens 'Our Heritage Through Their Eyes' exhibition
The event was attended by a distinguished group of researchers and specialists in cultural and heritage affairs, who toured the exhibition's various sections with the conference guests, exploring its rich content that documents the Western perspective on Eastern heritage through travel and missionary writings, rare documents, and exceptional visual and intellectual works. The Arab Emirates in Western Memory The tour began in the exhibition's first section, titled 'The Arab Emirates in Western Memory', where Al Musallam and the attendees viewed some of the earliest Western writings on the coast—what is today the United Arab Emirates—spanning five centuries. They explored materials relating to the UAE's history and all elements of its heritage. This section includes depictions of the coast in Western maps and records, visitors to the coast as 'eyewitnesses,' UAE heritage in travel literature, traditional lifestyles, adornment and attire, crafts, camel racing, falconry, palm trees, heritage homes, diseases and epidemics, aflaj irrigation systems, fishing, pearl diving, ship and boat building, in addition to portraits reflecting various aspects of old life in the region. The Arabian Gulf Through Foreign Eyes Al Musallam and the attendees then explored the second section of the exhibition, titled 'The Arabian Gulf Through Foreign Eyes', offering a visual journey through maps, images of cities, ports, landmarks, and surviving scenes and testimonies from centuries past. The Allure of the East Through Western Eyes The tour concluded with the third section of the exhibition, where Dr Al Musallam and the guests walked through the artworks of 'The Allure of the East Through Western Eyes.' This section showcases paintings by travelers and orientalists depicting the Arab world, shedding light on various aspects of Arab societies across long stretches of history. Exhibition Library The exhibition also includes a library dedicated to 'Travellers' Chronicles', featuring the rich sources and writings of Western travellers. These serve as valuable academic resources that document the life, knowledge, treasures, and symbols of the East.
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Institute for Heritage welcomes Maldives Ambassador
Strengthening cultural relations Dr Al Musallam stated: 'We were pleased to host the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives at the Institute, which was a valuable opportunity to explore avenues of cooperation in the field of intangible cultural heritage and to exchange expertise in preserving and documenting oral traditions and folk tales. We also handed over the official invitation for the Maldives to be Guest of Honour at the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, as a reflection of our deep appreciation for the rich Maldivian culture.' He continued: 'The Narrator Forum has become a global platform celebrating storytellers and memory keepers from various cultures. The Maldives' participation this year will bring fresh dimensions to the forum with legends and folktales drawn from the sea and islands—narratives that resonate deeply with our Gulf maritime heritage.' A Warm Maldivian response For his part, H.E. Mohamed Hussain Shareef expressed his deep appreciation for the invitation extended by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and praised Dr Al Musallam's efforts in building bridges of cultural communication between peoples. He noted that the Maldives being chosen as Guest of Honour at the Forum represents a unique opportunity to present Maldivian heritage to both Arab and international audiences. He added that the Maldives possesses a rich trove of stories, legends, and oral traditions inspired by its island and marine environment, making its forthcoming participation a meaningful contribution to the cultural landscape and a driver for cross-cultural dialogue. Cultural coordination ahead of "Narrator 25" During the visit, a short documentary was shown about Maldivian Heritage Week 2021. Both sides discussed potential cultural cooperation and the Maldives' anticipated role in the forum. Dr Al Musallam also presented a selection of the Institute's publications that spotlight Emirati and Gulf cultural heritage—particularly in the areas of oral storytelling and folk narratives—highlighting the cultural connection between the maritime traditions of the UAE and the Maldives. At the close of the meeting, the official invitation was formally delivered, naming the Maldives as the Guest of Honour for the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum. Tour of the institute His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam accompanied Ambassador Shareef on a tour of the Institute's facilities, showcasing specialised departments and permanent exhibitions such as the Storytelling Centre, the Arab Heritage Centre, the World Heritage Hall, the Reference Library and Archives, and the Manuscript Restoration Laboratory. During the visit, the Ambassador was introduced to the Institute's major initiatives and research projects focused on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and documenting oral traditions. He expressed admiration for the Institute's institutional and methodical efforts to preserve collective memory. A Quarter century of storytelling Launched 25 years ago, the Sharjah International Narrator Forum began as a pioneering cultural initiative dedicated to storytellers, oral historians, and guardians of intangible heritage from around the world. Over a quarter of a century, the forum has established itself as an international platform celebrating folk narratives and preserving oral memory through scholarly sessions, heritage performances, and interactive programmes that blend authenticity with innovation. Organised annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the forum attracts a distinguished group of researchers, practitioners, and cultural institutions specialising in intangible heritage. Each edition features a new thematic focus and honours outstanding figures who have contributed to the preservation of folk narratives, making the forum a defining event on the Arab and international cultural calendar.
