Sharjah24: The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) is participating in the Sharjah Pavilion at the twentieth edition of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair in Greece, which is taking place from May 16th to May 19th. Sharjah is the first Arab honorary guest at the fair and is making a notable presence through the Sharjah Book Authority and several of its cultural and academic institutions.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: "The deep celebration of the participation of the Emirate of Sharjah and its institutions in this major global cultural event confirms the prestigious international position that Sharjah has achieved in preserving culture and heritage and promoting creative and inspiring exchange of knowledge among peoples and communities, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This has made it a significant landmark in the realm of cultural and scientific communication, and a living and sustainable model worthy of admiration, shedding light on its rich experience transcending continents, cultures, and generations."
Al-Musallam added that the participation of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in this distinguished cultural event falls within its continuous commitment to active participation in various international events and forums, with the aim of presenting the Emirati cultural heritage in a splendid and honorable manner, providing rich spaces for interaction between visitors and the public with local heritage landmarks, connecting them to its deep roots derived from the essence of the authentic national identity, as well as meeting the passion of readers and enthusiasts of cultural heritage through the display of various publications and specialized books in this field, in addition to meeting representatives of institutions and centers interested in cultural heritage worldwide and discussing opportunities and prospects for cooperation with them.
On her part, Khalood Al-Hajri, Director of the UAE Crafts Center at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: "We are proud of this diverse participation in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair as one of the government entities that is present within the Sharjah Pavilion, which offers us a unique and broad opportunity to introduce the Emirati heritage and its essence by showcasing traditional Emirati men's and women's costumes, which provide a vivid image of Emirati attire that has become well-known and prominent in the international events of Sharjah, attracting visitors who rush to buy and wear it for souvenir photos."
She continued that Emirati traditional crafts are strongly represented through traditional doll making, falconry, and shoe-making, in addition to henna art presented by Mawza Sivan, as well as traditional Emirati hospitality with Arabic coffee and delicious sweets.
The participation of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage includes a range of departments and centers affiliated with the institute, including the execution of a series of live shows of traditional women's crafts, traditional men's and women's folk costumes, and children's costumes, in addition to the Emirati hospitality corner, where Emirati coffee and popular sweets such as dates, bethitha, and khunfaroush are served. This reflects Emirati generosity and noble qualities in dealing with others and their appreciation and respect. Visitors to the fair express their enjoyment and interest in the Emirati folk arts presented by the Sharjah National Folk Dance Troupe, such as Ayyala, Liwa, Medima, Hibban, and Nuban.
Display of selected publications.
The participation also includes the display of a collection of selected publications and a series of media visuals documenting the most important local activities, events, and programs organized annually by the institute in collaboration with its strategic partners, including the Sharjah Heritage Days and the Sharjah International Narrator's Forum, among others, as well as its Arab and international contributions covering all continents of the world.
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