The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has unveiled the activities and programs for the 24th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), set to take place from 18th to 22nd September under the theme “Tales of Birds.”
During a press conference held at the SIH’s Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the SIH, outlined the forum’s agenda. This year’s event will feature over 145 narrators, experts, and researchers from more than 32 countries, highlighting the diversity of folk culture and the significance of oral heritage in preserving cultural identity.
Dr. Al Musallam emphasized the forum’s role in bringing together narrators and preserving folk heritage. He stated, “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. Thanks to the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, we come together to honour living human treasures from around the world.”
This year, the forum will honour the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Bilad Shinqit) as the Guest of Honour, recognising its rich oral and written traditions. The event will also celebrate the contributions of Professor Dr. Moussa Ould Abno and the late narrator Yahya Ould Rajel.
Aisha Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre and General Coordinator of SINF, highlighted the theme “Tales of Birds” for this edition, noting its symbolism in cultures worldwide. She explained that the forum aims to preserve oral heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding through storytelling.
The forum will introduce several new features this year, including:
- Living Human Treasures Card: Distributed to honoured narrators as part of the UNESCO Living Human Treasures programme.
- Interactive Story Hall: An experience titled “Said and the Owl Adventure.”
- Heritage Talk: A session fostering dialogue between generations.
- Narrator Carnival: A procession featuring storytellers and school students.
The event will also include the “Bird Tales in Emirati, Arab, and Global Heritage” exhibition and the signing of over 35 publications related to the forum’s theme. Various organisations, cultural centres, universities, and institutes will also participate in this year’s forum.
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