Sharjah 24: In a joyful ceremony following a successful season, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) concluded the 24th Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), where His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the SIH and Head of the SINF's Supreme Committee, along with Aisha Al-Hossan Al-Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Center at the SIH and General Coordinator of the SINF, honored all participants who contributed to the success of the events, which saw remarkable local, regional, and international participation.
The closing ceremony featured a short documentary film that documented the journey of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum over more than two decades, along with a presentation of Emirati folk arts performed by the Sharjah Zina Gulf Arts Group.
'Tales of Birds' was a window to explore the world of folk tales connected to nature.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam stated, "We were filled with joy as we witnessed the conclusion of the forum after seeing the interaction of all participants and visitors from around the world with our local heritage and the heritage of other peoples. The SIH's efforts have successfully conveyed the message of caring for heritage to new generations, reflecting the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his unwavering support to make heritage a foundational pillar in the civilizational construction of our giving country and our inspiring emirate, Sharjah."
He added, "The theme 'Tales of Birds' served as a window through which we could explore the world of folk tales related to nature, where birds in folk heritage carry messages and meanings concerning freedom, hope, and intercultural communication. This year, the forum succeeded in gathering storytellers from different continents, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and showcasing oral heritage in its various forms."
Attention to all details, including heritage, art, scientific and literary knowledge, alongside youth participation and the use of artificial intelligence technologies.
Aisha Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre of the SIH and General Coordinator at the Sharjah International Narrator Forum 24, said, "Achieving these successes crowned the efforts made during this session, as we focused on all details that included heritage, art, scientific and literary knowledge, alongside youth participation and the use of artificial intelligence technologies. This success represents a great responsibility that drives us to exert multiplied efforts to elevate heritage in line with its humanitarian messages and authentic national values."
Comprehensive Closing Recommendations
Aisha Al Hussan Al Shamsi added, "At the conclusion of the forum's activities, and within the framework of enhancing cultural heritage and deepening the understanding of the importance of folk tales, a set of purposeful recommendations was proposed. First, it is suggested to compile the scientific contributions made during the 'Narrator' journey into a single book, which would help document ideas and discussions. It is also advisable to select some prominent topics from previous forums to prepare rich encyclopedias, and a comprehensive inventory of all 'Narrator' elements related to various forum topics should be made to record them as shared Arab heritage elements. It is important to prepare a special lexicon for folk tales in the Arab world, in addition to printing the works of this year's forum in a book to serve as a valuable reference for researchers and scholars."
She explained that the recommendations also include allocating a corner or council in the forum to document the narratives of participants, allowing them to tell the tales of their peoples, as well as urging Arab countries to integrate folk tales and cultural heritage into the educational system. Efforts should also be directed towards swiftly implementing the SIH's project to prepare an archive of Arab intangible cultural heritage and preparing an annotated bibliography of published works at the SIH, in addition to proposing the issuance of a comprehensive book about birds and their relation to folk heritage, preparing a specific lexicon for birds in Arab heritage, and a pure Arabic classification of Arab folk tales.
She noted that this year's session, held under the theme "Tales of Birds," made a significant difference in terms of attendance and organization, which reinforces the continuity of holding the forum at the SIH's premises.
Artistic and Knowledge Workshops, Theatrical Activities Derived from Local and Arab Heritage, and a Rich Scientific Program Featuring Distinguished Papers
It is noteworthy that the 24th Sharjah International Narrator Forum, which lasted for four days, featured dozens of activities, including artistic and knowledge workshops, theatrical activities derived from local and Arab heritage. It also included heritage programs presented by the International School of Storytelling, alongside two accompanying art exhibitions, and a Heritage Platform program that brought youth together with heritage treasures to discuss the importance of heritage. Additionally, the forum witnessed a rich scientific program with distinguished papers and valuable interventions from prominent heritage scholars in the UAE and the Arab world.
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