Over 17 Arab and international countries will participate in the 13th session of the Sharjah International Traditional Crafts Forum (SITCF), which will be held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park on January 18 and 19 under the slogan “Carpet and Textile”.
It was announced during a press conference held at the Sharjah Central Souq, chaired by Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Kholoud Al Hajri, Director of Emirati Handcraft Centre affiliated to SIH, General Coordinator of the Sharjah International Traditional Crafts Forum, and attended by the departmental directors, employees and those interested in heritage in the textile and carpet industries.
The conference began with a visual presentation highlighting the significant achievements and topics from the previous sessions of the Sharjah International Traditional Crafts Forum. It reflected on the history of the forum, which began in 2007, and its journey celebrating traditional crafts and introducing their history through various topics and titles over the past 12 sessions.
Dr Al Musallam said, “The traditional arts and crafts industries and their diversity have played a vital role in the development of the economic life of nations throughout history. Since ancient times, craftspeople have relied on manual skills and simple tools developed over time, using raw materials nature offered, such as plants, animals, and other sources, to produce rich artefacts and products that served the community. This facilitated ways to create a living and contribute to the continuation of the cultural flow between people through time and space.”
SIH was aware of the cultural and social significance and so devoted an annual forum under the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who prioritised the preservation, revival, and protection of heritage crafts for cultural and social development.
Dr Al Musallam, confirmed that the forum had developed its structure, objectives and forward-looking vision since its inception. Its slogan for each session reflected those fundamental updates, touched on the depth of the traditional craft in the UAE, and expressed its authenticity, importance, and presence in the population’s daily life. Its new slogan, “Sharjah International Traditional Crafts Forum”, reflects the heritage tradition in the UAE and the world elevates its ancient values and symbols, and celebrates its pioneers and flags through each session.
Al Hajri announced the “Textile and Carpet” slogan, emphasising that the vision of the forum is based upon celebrating these crafts and their manufacture on an international level.
The speech of the general coordinator of the forum included details of the diverse and distinguished activities, including a rich educational programme to discuss various issues related to textiles, carpets, and their products, with a historical presentation of the industry, an accompanying global exhibition, and workshops by the University of Sharjah – College of Fine Arts and Design and Sajaya young ladies of Sharjah.
Kholoud Al Hajri, indicated that 17 countries who will participate in the forum, includes all GCC member states, and four Arab countries, namely the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Morocco and Sudan.
Internationally, Azerbaijan, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia will participate. In addition, there will be a pavilion for Turkish carpets and another for Iranian carpets, with live performances and workshops for each country’s carpet and textile industry, reflecting the character and showcasing the traditional costumes of participating countries.
The art exhibition will showcase the Saudi artist Abdullah Al-Faisal Al-Rasheed.
It will also feature Mexican textile and dye artist Porfirio Gutierrez, who has extensive experience in using woolen threads and dealing with natural materials and dyes, through which he succeeded in extracting 200 different colours over 15 years.
The Sharjah International Traditional Crafts Forum will not be devoid of exciting activities for children, as the child’s corner will include a pavilion for the International School of Story affiliated with the Institute.
There will be several educational and scientific workshops in knitting and weaving symbols using gypsum, a workshop on macrame art, and participation from the Emirates Heritage Club.
Children can also participate in a photography competition entitled ‘The Most Beautiful Story About Carpets’.