Sharjah Museums’ throws spotlight on ‘The Sea’, ‘Journeys’, and ‘Islamic Art’

The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) has concluded the latest in its series of highly popular and insightful seminars at the Sharjah Maritime Museum, on 7 November. Titled ‘Stories of Emirati Sailors’, the seminar formed part of the adult educational programme by SMD's Department of Education and Interpretation and was the first of three seminars scheduled for this November. The seminar series this month was the second part of the ‘A Journey in History’ seminar which was held at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum on 14 November, The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization will host a workshop titled ‘Modern Islamic Art’ on 21 November. 

The first one-day seminar was aimed at spreading cultural awareness among the audience, particularly about modern and heritage arts. During the event, the attendees were given the opportunity to hear the stories of Emirati sailors and their daily lives on ship in the past which presented by Mr. Abdullah Musaad; the workshop was accompanied by a tour of the museum where the attendees viewed the most important boats and dhows of the period. They learned about some of the tools that were used in diving and took part in a live experience about the sea atmosphere and diving on board a dhow, giving them a clear impression of the hard work that was done by these sailors.

Commenting on the occasion, Alya Burhaima, Manager of SMD’s Department of Education and Interpretation, said, “Heritage is given special attention by SMD, Organising these different seminars falls in line with SMD’s strategy as well as part of the guidance and awareness-raising approach adopted by the Museums Department. The interactive seminars involving hands-on workshops are held under the supervision of high-caliber specialists to achieve the best possible result.” 

She added: “The seminars designed for adults during the current month cover several important topics. The audience received the first seminar on Emirati sailors and maritime life with a tangible interaction. During the event, they emphasized that they had closely experienced what distinguished that era. There is no doubt that we expect that the next two workshops will achieve the same success, especially as the culture of trips and Islamic art are sure to attract a big audience. The two seminars will provide information that reflect SMD’s role in awareness-raising and social culture.” 

The Sharjah Archaeology Museum hosted a symposium under the title: “Historic Journey” - part two - which is set to include a lecture on desertification and its impact on national resources, delivered by Muhammed Ali Mekkawi, an expert at the Ministry of Environment and Water. 

During the lecture, he shed light on the concept of desertification, its harm and impact on wildlife and man, and on its inherent dangers, which has led to the decline of many places on earth throughout history as well as the extinction of natural plants in large territories. The attendees got the opportunity to learn about the ways of confronting the danger of desertification at present time and global efforts exerted to fight this serious problem and its harmful effects. 

The monthly lecture programme (Historic Journey), which was launched in the autumn of 2010, comes as part of educational efforts by the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, and is in keeping with its message as a model museum concerned with the spreading of knowledge among various community sectors.

Running from October until March every year, the programme features a series of lectures during which a galaxy of specialist professors present their expertise and knowledge in the world of history. 

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization will be hosting a workshop titled ‘Modernity of Islamic Art’, presented by artist Nora Mesri. The event is aimed at familiarising the audience with the different types and styles of Islamic art. They will be given an opportunity to produce a painting of their own inspired by contemporary Islamic art where they will use engineering figures and plant shapes, with the help of modern technologies available at the workshop, and learn how to make Islamic decorations in consistent colours. The seminar is aimed at educating all sectors of society about the importance of preserving the Emirates’ rich and authentic heritage.