Sharjah updates title of Unesco site bid

EMIRATE LEADING REGIONAL EFFORTS TO CONSERVE HERITAGE

Emirate’s cultural project ‘Heart of Sharjah’ highlights the importance of heritage in dialogue between civilisations |

The Higher Committee of the Heart of Sharjah’s bid has updated the title of its submission to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) World Heritage Centre, revising the title ‘Heart of Sharjah’ to ‘Sharjah — A Gateway to the Trucial States’.

In a ground-breaking achievement for Sharjah, the emirate’s cultural site ‘Heart of Sharjah’ had been nominated for the list of tentative World Heritage Sites by Unesco.

The rebranding of the site reflects the significance of archaeological and historical heritage in Sharjah and is in line with His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, vision to highlight the political, economic, cultural and social role played by the emirate within the Council of Trucial States, which was established in Sharjah during the time of British governance.

As part of its all-encompassing cultural vision, Sharjah is leading a project designed to preserve Emirati and Islamic heritage. Inspired by the directives and guidance of Dr Shaikh Sultan, the emirate is highlighting the importance of heritage as being the memory of human civilisation.

Giving heritage a priority within Sharjah’s strategic vision, Dr Shaikh Sultan has personally launched a number of landmark initiatives dedicated to the conservation of Arab and human heritage in all its architectural, traditional, cultural and literary forms.

In the bid to revitalise and preserve heritage sites that highlight the Emirati cultural and architectural identity, maintenance and renovation of traditional markets that have historically played a prominent role in trade and have been featured in ancient Arab literature plays an important role. These destinations include Souq Al Arsah, Souq Al Masqoof, Souq Al Shuwaiheen, Souq Al Sagha and Souq Saqr.

Restoring and refurbishing traditional mosques is also a priority. The renovated places of worship include Al Khan Mosque, Al Daleel Mosque, Al Hira Mosque, Al Mananah Mosque, Al Alliyah Mosque, among others. Old forts and buildings such as Al Hisn, Majlis Al Midfa and Bair Al Naboudah have been restored and converted into museums.

Shaikh Sultan’s leading example in the protection of heritage has not just been limited to local heritage, but includes Arab, Islamic and global heritage. All these efforts have paid dividends. In recognition of these, Sharjah was named ‘Islamic Cultural Capital 2014’.

Courtesy: Heart of Sharjah Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) was first renovated and opened as a museum in 1997. It was renovated and reopened in 2015.

Courtesy: Heart of Sharjah Bait Al Naboudah opened as a museum on November 14, 1995. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the authentic architectural designs of traditional Emirati houses.

Courtesy: Heart of Sharjah Majlis Al Midfa first opened its doors as a museum on November 16, 1996. It contains a carved pearl chest, old manuscripts and a silver dagger adorned with gold leaf.