Egypt Participates in Sharjah Heritage Days Celebrating Arts, Poetry

Egypt made a remarkable presence at the Sharjah Heritage Days, showcasing its rich cultural heritage through music and poetry. 

The event, which celebrates traditional arts and cultural expressions from around the world, saw the participation of Egyptian musician Mahmoud Hamad and poet Salim Abu Daqa, both hailing from North Sinai.

Mahmoud Hamad captivated audiences with his exceptional performances on the "Simsimiyya", a traditional string instrument deeply rooted in Egyptian folk culture, particularly in the cities of Suez, Port Said, and Sinai. His performances were accompanied by spontaneous poetry inspired by Bedouin heritage, offering the audience an immersive cultural experience that beautifully highlighted the spirit of Egyptian folklore.

Hamad also performed on the "Shabbaba", one of the oldest musical instruments in the Bedouin tradition of Sinai. Through his authentic Bedouin melodies, he depicted the daily lives of Bedouin communities. 

Notably, Hamad crafts and tunes his own instruments, preserving this endangered cultural art form. He emphasized the importance of such events in reviving traditional arts and introducing them to new generations.

Renowned Bedouin poet Salim Abu Daqa delivered a collection of "Nabati" poems, reflecting the deep-rooted tradition of Bedouin poetry in the Arab region. Representing Egypt in Bedouin poetry, Abu Daqa participated in daily sessions that brought together poets from various Arab countries, fostering cultural exchange through poetic dialogues with audiences and participants.

Abu Daqa highlighted that his participation aligns with his poetic journey, having previously performed at Bedouin poets’ clubs in Sinai, the House of Poetry in Luxor, and the prestigious "Million's Poet" competition, one of the most prominent poetry contests in the Arab world. He also revealed his upcoming project to publish a poetry collection that preserves this traditional literary form by explaining the contexts of his selected poems.

The festival also featured meetings between musicians and poets from different countries, with daily performances showcasing traditional instruments like the "Rababa", a pivotal component of Arab Bedouin musical heritage.

Participants praised the event as a global cultural platform promoting Arab heritage and enhancing cultural and artistic exchanges between nations. They emphasized its role in preserving folk traditions and showcasing their authentic identity amidst modern societal changes.

Sharjah Heritage Days celebrate traditional arts, crafts, folkloric performances, and cultural seminars, with participation from Arab and international communities. 

The event underlines the importance of safeguarding cultural identity and folk heritage, fostering global appreciation of diverse cultural expressions.