Sharjah Heritage Institute launches a conference "Heritage cities in the Arab world

Sharjah, December 17 / WAM / The Sharjah Institute for Heritage opened the first Heritage Conference under the slogan “Heritage Cities in the Arab World” in the heritage area in the heart of Sharjah, on the occasion of the full decade since its founding.

The conference, which was launched yesterday, will continue until December 18 with the participation of 50 experts and academic researchers from various parts of the Arab world and brings together representatives of 19 Arab countries: the UAE, Iraq, Lebanon, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, Qatar, Kuwait, Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, Oman, and Bahrain.

The conference is considered a scientific and strategic dialogue platform that aims to shed light on the Arab architectural heritage by discussing pioneering experiences in this field and researching the most prominent issues and challenges facing Arab cities in their journey towards the future. It also represents a valuable opportunity to deepen common understanding about the importance of preserving the Arab architectural heritage and presenting Sustainable solutions to preserve the identity of Arab cities.

The opening ceremony, which was attended by His Excellency Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Muslim, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, included an artistic performance presented by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage Band and a display of a group of heritage elements that reflect the diversity and richness of the cultural heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah and the region, which gave attendees an opportunity to interact with the local cultural heritage in a distinctive festive atmosphere.

A documentary film entitled “Planting Heritage” was also shown, which highlighted the efforts made by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in preserving the Emirati and Arab cultural heritage, in addition to how to transfer this heritage to future generations. In addition, another documentary film entitled “Harvesting Heritage” was shown, which highlighted the harvest of the Institute’s efforts. In the field of preserving cultural heritage through its many projects and initiatives, with a focus on the significant progress achieved by the Institute in enhancing the cultural identity of the emirate.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam launched the book “A Decade of Heritage,” which deals with the history of the institute since its founding and reviews the main milestones it went through during a decade in the field of heritage preservation.

The ceremony concluded by honoring the conference personality who had a prominent role in enriching this field, in addition to honoring the authors of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage publications who made important contributions to documenting cultural heritage.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Muslim reviewed the most prominent achievements achieved by the Institute, as Sharjah’s efforts to preserve its urban heritage began under the royal directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, with the establishment of the “Heritage Unit” in 1987, which was the nucleus of systematic work to protect heritage sites. The revival of traditional architecture was followed by an important step in 1995 with the establishment of the “Heritage Administration,” which took upon itself the responsibility of developing policies and executive plans for major projects related to urban preservation.

The conference includes many scientific sessions and workshops that focus on highlighting successful Arab experiences in the field of urban heritage and discussing how to confront the common challenges between these countries in preserving their historical cities.

Four international and Arab organizations and institutions are also participating in the conference: ICCROM Sharjah, ALECSO, ISESCO, and the National Institute of Archeology and Heritage.

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