Sharjah Heritage Days attracts 390,000 visitors
Sharjah, February 20 / WAM / The twenty-third session of “Sharjah Heritage Days” attracted about 390,000 visitors, at the conclusion of its activities that were held in the “Heart of Sharjah” region and its affiliated cities, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The course presented an integrated model that combined cultural, organizational, and cognitive action, to enhance the presence of heritage in the public space as an active element in the present and future, and to consolidate its position as an incubator for culture and heritage, affirming that identity is not just a preserved heritage, but a living project for development and community awareness.
The geographical momentum of the events extended this year to include seven cities and regions: Sharjah, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Dhaid, Al Hamriyah, and Wadi Al Hilo. This spread reflected the broad community presence of the event, and established the concept of heritage as a living practice in the details of daily life.
Sharjah Heritage Days were characterized by the integration of official and community efforts to preserve heritage, with the participation of governmental and international bodies, and thousands of organizers and volunteers who managed the event within an integrated work system. The events also witnessed the presence of hundreds of craftsmen who demonstrated dozens of traditional crafts, in addition to holding personal exhibitions and museums, and the participation of dozens of popular groups that presented hundreds of artistic performances.
As part of its efforts to connect young people with their cultural heritage, the Children’s Corner witnessed a remarkable daily turnout, in conjunction with the organization of workshops and educational and awareness-raising programs directed at children and adolescents to transfer traditional knowledge to new generations in contemporary ways. Live performances also provided visitors with the opportunity to interact directly with traditional crafts, which contributed to transferring heritage from the framework of theoretical knowledge to sensory and field experience.
On the cognitive and academic level, the accompanying scientific sessions discussed Arab heritage files recently included in the relevant lists, which contributed to the exchange of experiences between Arab cultural institutions on mechanisms for preserving and recording heritage, while emphasizing its role as a major resource supporting creative industries and cultural development.
The current session witnessed the introduction of a series of qualitative initiatives, most notably the issuance of the first postage stamp for the event, and the organization of a heritage water-watering tournament. The “Heritage Cinema” also added a growing international dimension to the events by showing Arab and European historical films, while the “Cultural Café” hosted dialogue sessions and book signing parties that enhanced the intellectual movement accompanying the days.
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