Latest news with #culturalfusion
South China Morning Post
12-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
China's ancient Silk Road tombs join Unesco World Heritage list
The Western Xia Imperial Tomb complex in northwest China has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site – a recognition of the site's importance as a centre of cultural fusion and commercial activity on the ancient Silk Road The group of burial sites , also known as the Xixia Imperial Tombs, officially received the designation from the United Nations cultural body on Friday, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. The site dates back to the Western Xia dynasty (1038–1227), which was ruled by the Tangut people, an ancient branch of the Qiang ethnic group. The site is located some 30km (19 miles) west of today's Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The 40 sq km (15 square mile) site is home to nine imperial mausoleums, their 271 accompanying subordinate tombs, 32 flood control works sites with walls and discharge trenches, as well as a five-hectare (12 acre) northern architectural complex site for purposes such as worship and management of the tomb area. According to Xinhua, the World Heritage Committee said the site was a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions among diverse traditions that occurred during the period.
South China Morning Post
12-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Ancient Silk Road tombs in China join Unesco World Heritage list
The Western Xia Imperial Tombs in northwest China has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site – a recognition of the site's importance as a centre of cultural fusion and commercial activity on the ancient Silk Road The group of burial sites , also known as the Xixia Imperial Tombs, officially received the designation from the United Nations cultural body on Friday, according to state news agency Xinhua. The site dates back to the Western Xia dynasty (1038–1227), which was ruled by the Tangut people, an ancient branch of the Qiang ethnic group. The site is located some 30km (19 miles) west of today's Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The 40 sq km (15 square miles) site is home to nine imperial mausoleums, their 271 accompanying subordinate tombs, 32 flood control works sites with walls and discharge trenches, as well as a five-hectare (12 acres) northern architectural complex site for purposes such as worship and management of the tomb area. According to Xinhua, the World Heritage Committee said the site was a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions among diverse traditions that occurred during the period.
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
A fusion of cultures in every step: Inside Penang's vibrant Yosakoi Parade
GEORGE TOWN, June 20 — First introduced in 2013 with just three participating teams, the Penang Yosakoi Parade has since evolved into a vibrant, large-scale celebration — complete with a championship for the best performance team. Yosakoi is a Japanese word derived from Yosakoi-bushi, a traditional folk song from Kochi Prefecture. The word also carries the meaning, 'come and visit at night'. Yosakoi Festivals, or Yosakoi Matsuri, originated in Kochi Prefecture in 1954 and have since become an iconic part of Japanese culture, held in over 200 locations across Japan. Today, the energetic and colourful festival has spread far to over 29 countries worldwide. The Penang Yosakoi Parade 2023. — Picture via Facebook/Penang Yosakoi Parade In Japan, Yosakoi participants express themselves freely through dance, using only a few essential elements — such as the naruko, a wooden clapper that makes a distinctive clacking sound. The performers often wear traditional Japanese costumes, but in recent years, many have opted for new styles that blend fashion from various cultures. Dancers are free to create their own choreography and costume designs, as long as they incorporate the naruko and phrases from the Yosakoi-bushi into their performance. According to Penang Yosakoi Parade main organiser and Pink Hibiscus Club founder Emi Yamazaki, the festival in Penang aims to promote local cultures through a fusion of ideas and stories told through dance. She said the event encourages creative choreography and storytelling using diverse concepts and ideas. The performers often wear traditional Japanese costumes, but in recent years, many have opted for new styles that blend fashion from various cultures. — Picture via Facebook/Penang Yosakoi Parade 'It is a fusion of Japanese dance and local cultures using the foundation of the Yosakoi dance,' she said. She said there were Malaysian teams who fused local elements into their performance, making their dance one of an amalgamation of Japanese and Malaysian cultures. 'It is a festival that is good for students to participate to express their creativity freely in the form of dance and performance,' she said.
National Post
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
Cook This: 3 Middle Eastern recipes from Lugma, including springtime fattoush
Article content Murad has always seen herself as having one foot in the East and the other in the West. As a chef, she naturally likes to experiment with different foods. With each of Lugma's recipes, she asked herself, 'Does this fit? Should I change it? Should I tweak it? Should I keep it more traditional?' The answer wasn't always easy. Article content 'It really made me question, 'What are the recipes I want to put into this book?' And also, 'What do I want to say, and what do I want to showcase?' So I tried to balance traditional and reimagined dishes and then really hone into what it means to be a child of two cultures.' Article content Lugma means 'a bite' or 'a mouthful' in Arabic. Murad often thought of her grandfather while writing the book. He was skilled at eating with his hands, creating the perfect mouthful of rice, meat and chili sauce between his fingers. 'That's kind of what inspired the book,' says Murad. 'I love eating with my hands, and I think that making someone a bite of something is a way of showing them that you love them.' Article content Article content Murad didn't set out to write a Bahraini book, but as time passed, she realized how much the island had shaped her palate and made her who she was. At the heart of Lugma is the generosity of hospitality in her Bahraini home, just 50 kilometres long (the same size as Singapore), with a fascinating food culture. Article content 'I wanted to show how this small but mighty island pulls from so many different influences. Through history, it was a seaport and centre of trade. Because it was so small, it almost created its own identity by pulling on other identities. So this fusion of Arabic, Persian, Indian flavours all rolled into one is so unique. That's what I wanted to shout about from my corner of the Middle East.' Article content Article content Serves: 4 Article content For the salsa: 4 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp coriander seeds, roughly crushed using a pestle and mortar 1 tsp Aleppo chili flakes 70 g (2 1/2 oz) jarred red (bell) peppers, very finely chopped 1 tbsp rose harissa 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tsp maple syrup 50 g (1 3/4 oz) walnuts, well toasted and roughly chopped into 1-cm (1/2-in) pieces 70 g (2 1/2 oz) pitted Nocellara (Castelvetrano) olives, roughly chopped 5 g (1/8 oz) mint leaves, roughly chopped 10 g (1/4 oz) parsley leaves, roughly chopped 2 tsp pomegranate molasses Article content Article content For the halloumi: 2 x 225 g (8 oz) blocks of halloumi, drained 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp maple syrup Article content Step 1 Article content Make the salsa by adding the oil and garlic to a small frying pan and placing it over a medium heat. Cook until beginning to bubble and smell fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes, then add the coriander seeds and chili and cook for about 30 seconds more. Stir in the peppers, harissa, vinegar and maple syrup and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Article content Step 2 Article content Preheat the oven to 180C convection (200C/400F). Article content Step 3 Article content Halve each of the halloumi blocks lengthways (so they are the same shape, but thinner now) to give you four rectangular pieces. Pat them well dry. Use a small sharp knife to make a crisscross pattern across one side of each piece, with incisions about 1.5-cm (5/8-in) deep. Article content Step 4 Article content Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the halloumi pieces and fry until nicely golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes in total. Transfer to a small tray, crisscross side up, and pour over the excess oil left in the pan, followed by the maple syrup. Bake for 7 minutes, or until really nicely softened through the centre.
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Zodori Studio Unveils Artisan Jewelry Collection Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Natural Materials
Hong Kong SAR, China - Zodori Studio, renowned for its fusion of cultural symbolism and timeless design, proudly announces its latest collection of artisan jewelry. Crafted from ethically sourced natural gemstones, jade, amber, and rare woods like sandalwood and agarwood, each piece embodies a narrative of heritage, spirituality, and personal expression. A Symphony of Nature and Craftsmanship At the heart of Zodori's creations lies a commitment to authenticity and meaning. The studio meticulously selects materials not for their perfection, but for their unique stories and characteristics, including: Gemstones: Radiant and resilient, symbolizing confidence and individuality. Jade: Revered across cultures for its association with wisdom and tranquility. Amber: Fossilized resin that captures the essence of time and warmth. Sandalwood: Valued for its calming aroma and spiritual significance, promoting peace and balance. Agarwood (aloeswood or oud): A rare resinous wood prized for its rich fragrance. Widely used in bracelets and rings, it symbolizes purity, protection, and spirituality. Each material is thoughtfully integrated into designs inspired by Eastern philosophy, sacred geometry, and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in jewelry that is both visually striking and culturally resonant. Design Philosophy: Understated Elegance for Everyday Wear Zodori embraces minimalism, ensuring each piece fits effortlessly into the wearer's daily life—whether at work, traveling, or relaxing. These pieces are subtle yet profound, ideal as gifts that communicate meaning without words. Crafted for You, Inspired by Heritage At Zodori Studio, craftsmanship is more than a process—it's a philosophy. Each piece is: From natural gemstone settings to delicate carvings in sandalwood and agarwood, every detail reflects cultural reverence and artistic intention. Customization is encouraged, allowing buyers to tailor items through order notes—transforming each piece into a wearable legacy that's unique, meaningful, and authentically yours. Exclusive Offers for New Customers Zodori Studio warmly welcomes new customers with: 15% Off First Order – Use code WELCOM15 at checkout Free International Shipping 100-Day Return Policy – No restocking fees About Zodori Limited Zodori Limited is a Hong Kong-based jewelry studio dedicated to blending natural materials with cultural narratives. Through its handcrafted designs, Zodori invites wearers to explore themes of heritage, identity, and personal growth—offering jewelry that transcends mere adornment to become a meaningful part of one's journey. Media Contact Company Name: Zodori Limited Contact Person: Nick He, Co-founder Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
