Qatar Leads the Effort to Nominate Sanbuk for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Doha, Qatar – In a significant step toward preserving and celebrating the region’s rich maritime heritage, the Ministry of Culture launched its first in-person meeting for the nomination of the Sanbuk, a traditional wooden dhow, to be inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
This five-day event is being held in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (Alecso). The meeting brings together experts and heritage enthusiasts from several Arab nations, who are working together to prepare the necessary documentation to ensure the successful nomination of the Sanbuk.
Preserving Qatar’s Maritime Legacy: The Importance of Sanbuk
The Sanbuk holds a special place in the history and culture of Qatar, the Gulf region, and many Arab countries. It is a type of traditional wooden dhow that was once integral to daily life in the Arabian Peninsula. With its distinctive design, the Sanbuk was ideally suited for navigation in the shallow waters of the Gulf, making it a vital tool for transportation, fishing, and pearl diving.
Addressing the importance of the Sanbuk, Sheikha Najla bint Faisal Al Thani, Director of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the nomination of the Sanbuk reflects the shared cultural heritage of Arab nations. She underscored the critical role of this effort in preserving the Sanbuk from extinction, taking pride in the traditions and craftsmanship that define this cultural symbol. Sheikha Najla noted, “The Sanbuk nomination is the second led by the State of Qatar to be inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, following the successful inscription of the Bisht, a traditional cloak.”
The Sanbuk’s nomination is part of Qatar’s broader effort to promote intangible cultural heritage across the region, ensuring that these historical practices, skills, and symbols are passed down through generations. The preservation of these cultural elements is vital not only for Qatar but also for the entire Gulf region, where maritime history and tradition have shaped the livelihoods and identities of local communities for centuries.
Regional Collaboration: A Unified Effort
The Qatar-led initiative to nominate the Sanbuk to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List has garnered strong regional support, with participation from numerous Arab countries. Representatives from nations including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Sudan, Mauritania, Libya, and Yemen attended the meeting, highlighting the collaborative nature of this project. The commitment of these countries to the Sanbuk nomination showcases the collective determination to preserve a shared cultural history.
Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi, Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, spoke about the cultural significance of the Sanbuk, stating that it is “a reflection of the history and culture of Qatar and the Gulf region as a whole.” The Sanbuk, with its unique design, was essential for fishing, pearl diving, and transportation, serving as a backbone of Gulf maritime culture. Al Marafi noted that Qatar’s successful preparation of the Bisht nomination file has paved the way for presenting the Sanbuk file with equal distinction and impact, further cementing Qatar’s role in promoting its rich cultural legacy.
Highlighting the Craftsmanship and Significance of Sanbuk
The Sanbuk is a prime example of traditional Gulf shipbuilding, a skill that has been passed down through generations. Its distinctive design allowed it to sail in shallow waters, making it an indispensable vessel for the people of Qatar and other Gulf countries. Historically, the Sanbuk played a crucial role in the pearl diving industry, which was once the economic backbone of the region. In addition to its functional significance, the Sanbuk also holds deep cultural value, symbolizing the ingenuity and resilience of the region’s maritime communities.
As part of the nomination process, experts from various fields are gathering and organizing data to present the Sanbuk’s cultural and historical significance according to UNESCO’s inscription form. These efforts aim to ensure that the Sanbuk receives global recognition as a symbol of Arab maritime heritage, much like the Bisht, which is now internationally recognized as an important cultural artifact of Qatar.
Support from Alecso and Other Arab Nations
The regional effort to nominate the Sanbuk has received widespread support, particularly from the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (Alecso). Dr. Hamid bin Saif Al Nofali, Director of Alecso’s Culture Department, praised Qatar for spearheading this initiative and extended his gratitude to the Arab countries that demonstrated their commitment to the project. The presence of Arab experts and coordinators at the meeting underscores the collaborative spirit of this initiative, which aims to protect and promote the Sanbuk as a shared cultural heritage.
The nomination process also benefits from the expertise of international and regional specialists, who have helped identify key elements of the Sanbuk’s history and craftsmanship that should be preserved. Lebanon also contributed to the discussions, with its representative participating virtually, further illustrating the widespread commitment to this cause across the Arab world.
The Path to UNESCO Recognition
The process of nominating the Sanbuk for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List involves meticulous research, documentation, and collaboration. Experts are collecting detailed data about the Sanbuk, including its historical uses, its construction techniques, and its role in shaping the economic and cultural fabric of Qatar and the Gulf region. This comprehensive documentation will be submitted to UNESCO, where it will be evaluated for its significance and cultural importance.
If successful, the Sanbuk will join the ranks of other cultural practices, traditions, and artifacts that have been recognized by UNESCO for their global significance. For Qatar, this recognition would not only honor its past but also ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the vital role that the Sanbuk and other maritime traditions have played in the development of Gulf society.
Conclusion
As Qatar continues to champion the preservation of its cultural heritage, the nomination of the Sanbuk to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List represents a crucial step in safeguarding the region’s maritime history. Through collaboration with Alecso, the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and other Arab nations, Qatar is leading the way in ensuring that the skills, craftsmanship, and traditions associated with the Sanbuk are passed down to future generations.
By celebrating the Sanbuk, Qatar is not only preserving its own heritage but also highlighting the interconnectedness of the Gulf’s maritime history. As the world looks to recognize the importance of intangible cultural heritage, initiatives like the Sanbuk nomination demonstrate the enduring value of these traditions in shaping cultural identity and pride.
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