Sadu House celebrates ‘all things Kuwaiti’

Month-long festivities showcase Kuwait’s culture, craft and tradition

OBy Chaitali B. Roy

n Wednesday, Feb 7, Sadu House celebrated all things Kuwaiti in a daylong event. The heritage building dressed up to play host to a variety of cultural activities that included folkloric music, folkloric food and traditional handicrafts. Throughout the day, visitors made their way past the intricately carved wooden door and thronged its courtyard enjoying the Arabian hospitality.

Conceived and executed by Sheikha Bibi Duaij Al Sabah, Chairperson of Al Sadu Society, the event was designed to reiterate the traditional roots of Kuwaiti society and the special role the building plays both in terms of architecture and the craft it embraces and showcases. “Sadu House has so many different stories to narrate,” Sheikha Altaf Salem Al Ali Al Sabah, founding member and patron of Al Sadu Weaving Cooperative had once said. “The building tells the story of commercial cultural exchange between Kuwait, India and Iran, a story of traditional architecture, the social history it has witnessed and more recently a story of traditional craft and creative expression. The house has witnessed Kuwait’s movement from the desert to an urban lifestyle, and its positive energy reaches out to those who enter its space.”

Sentiment

Soumaya Ali and Alia Al Ayoub two young Kuwait University students who were catching up over a cup of coffee in the coffee shop echoed that sentiment. “I agree,” said Soumaya. “I make it a point to visit Sadu House once every week. Somehow, I feel this place exudes positive energy. It is so beautiful and peaceful. Moreover, what adds to its charm is that it is also a museum. I have brought my friend today to enjoy the National Day celebrations and look, she is already hooked to the place,” smiled Soumaya pointing to Alia who disclosed that she was planning to sign up for a sadu workshop.

Located on Gulf Road, Sadu House stands witness to a time that has faded into the dusty pages of history books. Before the discovery of oil, Kuwait was a strategically located sheikhdom that depended on pearl diving, fishing, shipping and trading for its economy. The Kuwaitis were a hardworking and enterprising community, and one of them decided to build a house for himself near the sea.

Built in 1929 by Youssef Al Marzouk, Bayt Al Sadu was one of the earliest house in Kuwait to be made of cement and concrete. Constructed by Indian craftsmen, the structure combines traditional Kuwaiti architecture with distinct Indian and Persian influences. “In those days it cost Marzouk Rs 60,000 to build this place,” Fajer Fajer a renowned Kuwaiti historian had noted in an earlier event. celebrations and remind the community of how much Sadu House is a holistic place with open doors,” pointed out Ksenia Graovac, Program Director of Sadu House. “One can experience the tradition and learn about heritage every time he/she enters the house. We gave an opportunity to small entrepreneurs to showcase their products, especially the ones related to ‘all things Kuwaiti’ to align with our theme. Well-known Arabian hospitality is present through coffee, halwa and bread and these can be tasted while visiting the house and souq. We are glad that a charity like Basta is present so that the resources go to good causes which is embedded in our philosophy.”

People milled around the courtyard watching bread being cooked, and once finished, enjoyed it warm with the fresh, sweet Omani halwa. Others were rifling through Basta’s used designer clothes trying to pick up a good bargain. “Basta is a local nonprofit organization that tries to extend a hand of help to sections of society that most need it in different ways,” shared Fatima Patel, a volunteer. “Recently Basta started the ‘Wall of Kindness’ endeavour where people can hang their donated items that can be taken by anyone in need or can be distributed later.”

Perform

More and more people trooped into the gracious old building as the day passed. Timothy Ryan, a young seventeen-year-old paid a visit with his father. Timothy was especially interested in watching the Bin Hussain Band perform, which they did in the evening. “I had heard that a famous folkloric band was scheduled to perform. I am interested in local traditional music, and we generally don’t get an opportunity to see them perform. So here I am,” he beamed. The Bin Hussain Band is one of the few existing sea music bands of the Arabian Gulf, and they gave a rousing performance at Sadu House to the delight of the crowd.

The discovery of oil led to the destruction of everything that was old. The old buildings of Kuwait represent a very important aspect of Kuwait’s history and heritage. This is where families lived, made their memories; the women cooked, sewed, looked after their families, and played gracious host at regular chai al daha held in the inner courtyard.

Many old buildings and historical sites in Kuwait have been destroyed because they were not protected by a local historical overlay and proper zoning. Understanding the past, and having reminders of the past allow people to understand their roots and the direction in which they are headed. It is imperative that a property like Sadu House is preserved, not only because it is a reminder of the past, but because it accentuates the cultural characteristic of Kuwait and gives it a sense of identity.