National Archives and Library organizes "Emirates Oral History Conference"

Abu Dhabi, 12 November / WAM / Yesterday, the National Archives and the National Library organized the fourth edition of the Emirates International Oral History Conference, which was held under the slogan “Narratives: Dialogue of Communities and Bridges of Tolerance,” with the participation of an elite group of researchers, academics, and specialists from inside and outside the country.

The conference activities confirmed that oral history, with its vivid narratives and direct testimonies, represents an authentic source of the history of nations and peoples, as it bridges the knowledge gap between generations, and contributes to enriching the multi-dimensional reading of historical events.

The conference comes within the framework of the National Archives and the National Library’s keenness to achieve the aspirations of society through a scientific and humanitarian platform in which experiences and stories meet that brought people together and united their memories and aspirations for the future.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Archives and Library, stressed the importance of this cultural and scientific event, which showcases the country’s experience in the field of oral history and enriches it with diverse Arab and international experiences.

He pointed out that oral history gives senior citizens who have lived through major transformations in the country the opportunity to document their experiences, and restores the eyewitnesses’ reputation as a reliable source, stressing that the renaissance of nations is based on their awareness of their history, which is embodied by the UAE, which builds its present and future on the legacy of the founding fathers, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul.”

His Excellency expressed his optimism about the scientific achievements and knowledge accumulation achieved by the conference in its previous sessions, expressing his optimism about the new research contributions that enrich scientific debate and contribute to enhancing understanding of social and cultural transformations, and consolidating the values ​​of tolerance and understanding among peoples. He appreciated the efforts of the participants, wishing the conference to achieve its desired scientific goals.

For her part, Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Research Advisor at the National Archives and Library, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, confirmed that the conference represents a journey into the spaces of living memory that evoke the fragrance of the past and delve into its depths, noting that living memory has given man the ability to stand on solid ground full of giving, inspiration, and human values.

She said that the previous sessions of the conference proved that man, despite the development of modern technologies, remains drawn to the magic of oral narration that preserves human history and transmits it to future generations so that it remains an integral part of the memory of the future. She pointed out that man, no matter how advanced modern technologies are and the means of communication and means of knowledge, remains drawn to the magic of oral narration, as it is the memory that exudes the scent of time and the taste of place, and restores the features of life as lived by our ancestors to remain an authentic part of the history of the future that we are building.

The conference activities began with a session entitled “Language, Dialect, Ramsa: Memory of Speech,” moderated by Lamia Rashid Al Shamsi, owner of the “Mahalaha Ramsaatna” initiative. The session discussed the importance of the language and local dialects in preserving identity and enhancing communication between cultures.

Ahmed Al-Sini, author of the book “China with an Emirati Flavor,” spoke about language as a bridge for rapprochement between peoples. Dr. Natalia Pavlou from Cyprus discussed in her research paper the role of language in preserving identity, and Mark Shockley spoke about the cultural importance of the Shehiya dialect.

The second session, titled “The Year of Society: Pictures and Stories,” and moderated by Dr. Aisha Belkhair, included discussions on the sustainability of cultural knowledge and community practices, promoting cohesion, and building tolerant societies.

Dr. Mohamed Hamdi from Helwan University in the Arab Republic of Egypt participated in it, speaking about the “Drawing Egypt” initiative, and Khamis Ismail Al Matroushi shed light on Al-Freej Memory: Values ​​and Stories, and Mehnaz Anshah and Saadia Anwar spoke about the book Story Lines and the Memory of the Elderly in Abu Dhabi.

The participants discussed the challenges that modern technologies and social media pose to lifestyles, stressing the importance of research and institutional efforts in documenting oral heritage and preserving cultural identity in light of the rapid changes witnessed in the contemporary world.

The audience enriched the conference sessions with inquiries, interventions, and fruitful and constructive discussions, which reflected the great interest in the subject of oral history and its role in enhancing communication between generations and preserving national memory. The conference concluded with recommendations followed by Maitha Salman Al Zaabi, Head of the Oral History Department at the National Archives and Library.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related