RIBF: Folk tales as bridges of Arab cultural identity

Sharjah 24: Across the Arab world, folk tales have long served as powerful vessels of memory, identity, and collective imagination. During an insightful panel discussion titled “A Bridge between Two Shores: Creative Intersections in the Arab World”, held as part of Sharjah's Guest of Honour cultural programme at the ongoing 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, scholars explored the enduring significance of folk storytelling within Arab societies. The dialogue focused on how these narratives transmit cultural knowledge, become integrated as cultural idioms, and effortlessly traverse geographical borders.

A cultural conversation across regions

The engaging session featured renowned Moroccan scholar Dr Said Yaktine and esteemed Emirati writer Sheikha Al Jaberi, with acclaimed poet Sheikha Al Mutairi moderating the conversation.

Folk tales as vessels of experience and memory

Dr. Yaktine opened the discussion by emphasising the timeless role folk tales play as a unifying cultural force, describing them as an invaluable record of human experience and our connection to the world. He highlighted that the strength of these narratives lies in their simplicity, emotional resonance, and adaptability, enabling them to evolve into widely recognised proverbs and cultural idioms. He illustrated their cross-cultural reach using the character of Juha, a popular figure in both Arab and international folklore.

Storytelling as cultural transmission

Dr. Yaktine further underscored the critical role folk tales play in traditional Arab communities as primary channels for knowledge transmission. He referenced symbolic and historical figures such as Al-Jaziya Al-Hilaliyya, Harun Al-Rashid, and Wallada bint Al-Mustakfi, asserting that popular culture serves as the foundation of scholarly traditions. He stressed that meaningful cultural renewal must begin with a reimagining of collective memory in a modern context.

Women as custodians of oral heritage

Sheikha Al Jaberi reflected on the pivotal role of women in preserving and passing down folk tales across generations. She emphasized that women act as cultural custodians, playing a vital role in maintaining Arab identity. Al Jaberi also pointed out the shared oral traditions between Emirati and Moroccan cultures, noting the use of common terms such as kharoufa or kharareef to describe folk stories.

Folk narratives: Global forms, local flavours

Al Jaberi showcased how global narratives are uniquely localised in Arab contexts, citing variations of Cinderella known in Emirati culture as Al Badeeha and Sameekti. These examples highlight how folk tales retain universal themes while reflecting distinct cultural identities.

Folk tales as cultural bridges

In closing, the panellists reaffirmed that folk tales continue to serve as powerful cultural bridges, fostering understanding between different Arab regions. These narratives, rich in memory and imagination, provide younger generations with the tools to connect with their heritage while building empathy and cultural awareness.