The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) held a press conference on Monday morning at the headquarters of the SIH’s Center for International Cultural Heritage Organizations. During the conference, His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), unveiled the activities for the 24th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), which will take place from September 18 to 22 under the theme “Tales of Birds.” The forum will feature the participation of over 145 narrators, experts, and researchers from more than 32 countries across various continents. The forum serves as a platform to showcase the richness and diversity of folk culture and the significance of oral heritage in preserving national and cultural identity.

 

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of (SIH), and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the SINF, said: “Each year, we renew our meeting with narrators and their valuable folk knowledge at the SINF, which has become a destination for bearers of folk heritage from all over. The bond strengthens and the promise renews as hearts yearn and eyes long for those whose souls have departed but whose memories remain. We celebrate them each time in a beautiful and thrilling journey, gathering here in Sharjah. Thanks to the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, we come together to honor living human treasures from around the world, sharing their experiences and interacting with those of others, reinforcing the status, importance, and value of the narrator.”

 

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is the Guest of Honor at the Forum

During the press conference, His Excellency explained that the Guest of Honor at this year’s forum will be the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Bilad Shinqit). This choice is due to Mauritania’s extensive and rich heritage of oral and written traditions, and in recognition of its profound legacy in the world of narrators and tales. Representing this legacy will be Professor Dr. Moussa OuldAbno, the Honorary Personality, and the late narrator Yahya OuldRajel, the Memorial Personality. The opening session of the forum will celebrate Mauritanian storytelling heritage and the individual and institutional efforts to preserve it.

 

Birds as Symbols of Freedom and Peace

Aisha Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre of the SIH, General Coordinator of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, emphasized that this distinguished cultural event has become an important annual occasion that bridges heritage and storytelling. The event embodies the interaction between different generations to pass down our rich cultural and oral heritage. The theme “Tales of Birds” was chosen for this edition due to the deep symbolism of birds in cultures worldwide. Birds represent symbols of freedom and peace and carry stories from the past and present on their wings to the future.

She pointed out that the SINF believes in the importance of preserving oral heritage and passing it on to future generations. Through this edition, the forum aims to highlight the tales of birds that narrate stories from various cultures, contributing to enhancing understanding and communication among peoples. She added that this year’s forum will host a distinguished group of storytellers and experts from different countries around the world, who will share their unique experiences and help revive this global heritage. Additionally, there will be many workshops and seminars aimed at developing the skills of storytellers and enhancing their abilities to convey tales in innovative and engaging ways.

 

Interactive Additions and a Meeting of Generations

The press conference revealed that the 24th edition of the forum will witness new additions centered around three main points that align with the core idea and content of the forum. These points are:

1. Living Human Treasures Card: To be distributed to honored narrators in implementation of the UNESCO Living Human Treasures program.
2. Interactive Story Hall – Said and the Owl Adventure: An interactive experience titled “Said and the Owl (Umm Kant) Adventure.”
3. Heritage Talk (Meeting of Generations):A session aimed at fostering dialogue between generations.
4. Narrator Carnival: A festive procession that will roam the three buildings of the institute, featuring storytellers, workshop organizers, and school students.

 

Storytelling Neighborhood

The new edition will explore the realms of stories and folk narratives through the Storytelling Neighborhood, which returns this year loaded with new ideas, unique characters, and various storytelling methods.

 

Over 35 Diverse Titles to be Signed

The event will also feature the “Bird Tales in Emirati, Arab, and Global Heritage” exhibition. Additionally, more than 35 diverse titles focusing on the forum’s theme, showcasing its richness and diversity, will be signed as part of the forum’s publications.

 

Diverse Participation from Various Organizations and Cultural Centers

This edition will also see the participation of several organizations and cultural centers, universities, and institutes, including:

– University of Sharjah

– High Institute of Folk Arts (Egypt)

– San Domenico Institute for Languages and Translation in Rome

– Zhejiang University of Science and Technology

– University of Turin in Italy