SIH explores future of heritage amid contemporary transformations

The session featured the participation of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Dr. Ahmed Bahaa El-Din Al-Assasi, President of the Egyptian Society for Folklore; and Dr. Samar Saeed, Dean of the Higher Institute of Folk Arts. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mini Bounama, Director of Content and Publishing at the SIH, with a large audience of researchers, academics, and cultural heritage enthusiasts in attendance.

Preserving cultural heritage: A pressing responsibility requiring collective efforts
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam emphasised that safeguarding cultural heritage in Arab societies has become an urgent responsibility that requires collective efforts and increased awareness of its historical and cultural significance. He pointed out that while modern civilisation brings many positive advancements, it has also cast its shadow on Arab identity and traditional customs, necessitating the development of strategies that preserve cultural identity and revitalise heritage practices in contemporary contexts.

Dr. Al-Musallam further explained that cultural institutions, as key players in heritage preservation, must not only focus on protecting cultural heritage from extinction but also devise innovative mechanisms to ensure its sustainability in the collective memory of future generations. He stressed the need to integrate modern technologies and digital media into heritage promotion, making it a living, interactive element that keeps pace with modern developments. He also noted that traditional solutions are no longer sufficient to counter the rapid challenges posed by globalisation and technological expansion.

Furthermore, he asserted that strengthening Arab heritage should not be limited to documentation and preservation but must extend to reviving it through impactful initiatives that enhance people’s connection to their heritage, support scientific research efforts, and enable younger generations to interact with it in innovative ways. This, he concluded, ensures that heritage remains an integral part of their cultural and social fabric.

Current challenges and strategies for heritage conservation
Dr. Ahmed Bahaa El-Din Al-Assasi explored the challenges facing cultural heritage in the digital age, highlighting the dangers of distortion and misrepresentation that may arise from unscientific documentation. He stressed the need to establish robust mechanisms that safeguard cultural heritage from unregulated exploitation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Zayed discussed strategies for preserving Arab heritage amid rapid transformations, underlining the importance of scientific documentation and leveraging digital technologies to transmit cultural heritage to future generations in an interactive and contemporary manner.

Harnessing technology and digital media to serve cultural heritage
Dr. Samar Saeed examined the impact of digital advancements on heritage, emphasising the importance of utilising modern media and social platforms to promote cultural heritage. She advocated for engaging digital influencers in heritage awareness campaigns, which can attract younger generations and encourage them to appreciate and preserve their cultural identity.

Concluding the session with the spirit of traditional arts
The session concluded with a captivating musical performance by the Nile Folklore Troupe, where the audience enjoyed an authentic musical experience that revived the essence of Egyptian cultural heritage. This artistic finale served as a fitting conclusion to a discussion that underscored the significance of preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing its presence in an era of rapid transformations.