"Sharjah Heritage" inaugurates "Heritage Nights"

The Sharjah Heritage Institute launched the "Heritage Nights" events last night in the Souq Square in the heart of Sharjah as part of the institute's efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage and enhance community awareness of its importance. The "Heritage Nights", which will continue until March 23, provide a rich experience that combines folk arts, traditional crafts, heritage foods and performances that simulate aspects of ancient Emirati life during Ramadan nights.

The events were inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi, Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a number of officials.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam stressed that the "Heritage Nights" embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to preserve cultural heritage and enhance its presence in the conscience of society, noting that this event reflects Sharjah's firm commitment to protecting and preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations in a manner that combines authenticity and innovation.

He said that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah taught us that heritage is not just a past that is narrated, but rather a living identity that is renewed with the renewal of generations. It is the bridge that connects us to our roots, shapes our present and anticipates our future. From this standpoint, the 'Heritage Nights' event comes to enhance this connection by reviving authentic customs and traditions in a Ramadan atmosphere that is fragrant with the fragrance of the past and the brilliance of the present.

He added that this event represents a vibrant space for interaction with heritage elements, where storytellers, craftsmen, artists and researchers meet in one place to tell the story of the Emirates in the language of history and the authenticity of heritage, stressing that this event not only reflects Sharjah's cultural identity, but also enhances its position as a beacon of civilization and human heritage at the regional and global levels.

The event includes many distinctive activities that reflect the momentum of the rich cultural heritage, as it hosts the Storytelling Village and the Puppet Theater to revive the art of oral storytelling, which has always been part of the popular heritage, while the Children's Village offers children a range of recreational and educational activities that enhance their connection to heritage through an enjoyable interactive experience.

The popular games corner allows visitors to explore traditional games that were part of the lives of their ancestors, while the Ramadan kitchen competitions bring together cooking enthusiasts in a lively competitive atmosphere. The event witnesses active participation from the Publishers Association, which allows visitors to view various cultural publications, in addition to the Books Carpet (Al-Kutubiyyin), which offers those interested in heritage the opportunity to acquire rare books that highlight the cultural heritage.

As part of the integrated Ramadan experience, the square witnesses the implementation of the Iftar cannon in front of the fort in a scene that evokes authentic Ramadan customs, while the food corner provides a range of traditional Emirati dishes that reflect the richness of the local cuisine. The event also offers a television competition that adds an atmosphere of interaction and excitement, in addition to theatrical activities that showcase local and Arab heritage folklore shows.

The event also includes sports competitions inspired by traditional games that enhance the spirit of competition and physical fitness among participants, while the dialogue sessions provide a platform that brings together researchers and specialists to discuss cultural heritage issues and the challenges of preserving it. Live drawing also adds an artistic dimension to the event, as artists create paintings inspired by Emirati culture to document the cultural heritage in a contemporary style.