SHD explores the presence of Arab heritage in modern writings

Sharjah 24: Will contemporary youth literature continue to draw inspiration from heritage in its poetry and novels? This question was at the heart of a panel discussion held at the Cultural Café during Sharjah Heritage Days, titled "Arab Heritage in Contemporary Writings." The session featured distinguished academics and novelists, including Dr Amani Al-Zoubi, Dr Aliaa Maa Al-Ainin, Dr Fatima Al-Maamari, and Lulwah Al-Mansouri, and was moderated by Dr Saleh Huwaidi.

Heritage's deep connection to identity

During the discussion, Lulwah Al-Mansouri emphasised that heritage is deeply ingrained in human identity and serves as a foundation for language, creativity, and even science fiction writing. She argued that the attachment to heritage stems from the belief that there is no future without a reinterpretation of the past in the present. She further noted that heritage is genetically linked to individuals, making it impossible to detach from, and that it inevitably manifests in literary works, whether an author intends it or not.

Emirati heritage in local novels

Dr Fatima Al-Maamari, in her presentation on "Emirati Heritage in Emirati Novels," outlined various ways in which heritage is incorporated into Emirati fiction. These include depicting daily life, drawing inspiration from folktales and legends, integrating traditional crafts and professions, employing local dialects, exploring the tension between modernity and tradition, and showcasing the role of women in society. She stressed the importance of accurately referencing heritage from authentic sources, presenting it in a modern and non-stereotypical manner, and transitioning towards visual media to enhance its accessibility and appeal.

Expanding the scope of heritage studies

Dr Aliaa Maa Al-Ainin pointed out that heritage studies often focus solely on folk culture, whereas heritage also encompasses a vast intellectual legacy, including historical, philosophical, and literary texts. She explained that while Western researchers initially sparked interest in Arab heritage by documenting it in their travelogues and academic research, heritage has since evolved into a serious field of study within Arab academia. She provided several examples to illustrate this transformation.

Tunisian poetry and the role of heritage

Dr Amani Al-Zoubi examined "The Uniqueness of Heritage in Tunisian Poetry Collections," focusing on Adam Fethi’s poetry collection The Blind Glassblower. Her analysis explored the artistic and folk heritage within the collection, as well as the poet’s engagement with historical, spiritual, and imagined heritage. She concluded that incorporating heritage into literature serves as a means of self-expression for poets and writers, while also playing a crucial role in preserving and revitalising cultural traditions to prevent their disappearance.