SIH celebrates Moroccan and Andalusian heritage

Heritage as a living bridge

As part of the accompanying cultural programme, the institute, in collaboration with Morocco’s National Center for Ala Music, hosted a session titled "Andalusian and Moroccan Heritage: A Bridge of Connection". Dr Yahya Lutf Al-Abbali moderated a discussion featuring a group of researchers and academics.

The session was devoted to the history and culture of the two regions, emphasising the mutual influences that have contributed to the formation of the cultural identity of both regions.

Dialogue with music

The evening was a mixture of intellectual contemplation and musical expression, where intellectual insights were interspersed with the true Andalusian rhythms. This led to an elaborate representation of the Moroccan-Andalusian heritage, underlining its aesthetic wealth and its role in the preservation of collective memory.

Preserving folk memory

The event also featured the signing of several publications dedicated to Andalusian heritage, including Adab al-Awam by Dr Mohammed Al-Amarti and Proverbs, Zajal Poetry and the Melody of the Common People by Dr Saeed Benhamada. The releases underline the growing scholarly effort to document and preserve this cultural legacy.

Andalusian music performance

The evening concluded with a performance by the Andalusian music ensemble of the National Centre for Ala Music. The melodies seemed to blend into the atmosphere of the venue, reinforcing the timelessness of this traditional art form and its role as a living link between the past and the present.

Diverse programme

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage actively participates in the event by organising several academic sessions, intellectual discussions, and book signings. This participation reflects the dynamism of cultural projects and is in line with the institute’s commitment to protecting heritage and enhancing its global visibility.