Kuwait Pavilion at Jerash Festival: A Cultural Immersion

This article from KUNA reports on the Kuwaiti Pavilion at an embassies exhibition within the Jerash Festival for culture and arts in Jordan.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Purpose of the Pavilion: The Kuwaiti Pavilion aims to showcase the rich diversity of Kuwaiti culture,its ancient national heritage,and customary craft professions.
Content of the Pavilion:
knowledge and Literary Products: Features various Kuwaiti and Arab cultural publications, including magazines like “al-Fikr,” “Al-Ma’arif,” “Al-Arabi,” and “Al-Arabi Al-Saghir.”
Traditional handicrafts: Offers a vivid experience of traditional crafts, specifically mentioning sailing ships and the traditional Kuwaiti dress, “Al-Basht.”
“Diwaniyah” Atmosphere: Recreates a “Diwaniyah,” a traditional Kuwaiti social gathering space, reflecting Kuwaiti society’s heritage and social behavior.
Director Dalal Al-Fadhli’s Statements:
The participation of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature highlights crucial Kuwaiti cultural publications.
The pavilion provides an immersive experience of the Kuwaiti “Diwaniyah” and introduces visitors to traditional crafts like ship making and “Al-Basht” making. The pavilion is experiencing high demand from festival attendees who are actively engaging with craftsmen, the Diwaniyah, popular food, and free publications.
Al-Fadhli expressed gratitude to jordan for organizing the festival and praised the efforts of the embassy exhibition organizers.
Craftsmen‘s Contributions:
Hussein Al-Bazzaz (President of the Kuwaiti Craftsmen Association): Presents traditional handicrafts, focusing on sailing ships and explaining the history of famous Kuwaiti ships like the “Bum.” He emphasizes that “Al-Bum” is an integral part of Kuwaiti heritage and his model-making is an inherited profession.
Suleiman Al-Suleiman: Conducts an introductory workshop on the traditional kuwaiti craft of “Al-Bashut” making, having inherited the profession from his family for three generations.He shares his passion for this industry and notes the visitors’ admiration for the “Basht” and its materials and evolution.
opening of the Exhibition: The exhibition was opened by the jordanian Minister of Culture, Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, and attended by representatives from Kuwait, including Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi (representing the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Kuwaiti Youth Affairs), and Dr. Muhammad Al-Jassar (Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature). The ambassador of the state of Kuwait was also present.In essence, the article details a successful presentation of Kuwaiti culture and heritage in Jordan, emphasizing the interactive and experiential aspects of the pavilion.

How does the Kuwait Pavilion contribute to Kuwait’s cultural diplomacy goals at the Jerash Festival?

A Showcase of Kuwaiti Heritage

The Jerash Festival, renowned for its festivity of Arab culture and arts, consistently features a diverse range of pavilions representing nations across the region. The Kuwait Pavilion,a regular and highly anticipated presence,offers visitors a especially rich and immersive experience into Kuwaiti traditions,artistry,and contemporary life. This year’s pavilion, like those before it, aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Jordan and Kuwait.Expect a vibrant display reflecting Kuwait’s unique identity.

Customary Kuwaiti Arts & Crafts on Display

The heart of the Kuwait Pavilion lies in its dedication to showcasing traditional Kuwaiti arts and crafts. Visitors can expect to encounter:

Sadu Weaving: A centuries-old Bedouin craft, Sadu weaving utilizes natural goat and sheep hair to create intricate textiles. Demonstrations by skilled artisans often take place, allowing attendees to witness the process firsthand. The geometric patterns and vibrant colors are a hallmark of this UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Pottery & Ceramics: Kuwaiti pottery,influenced by both Mesopotamian and Persian traditions,features distinctive designs and functional forms.The pavilion typically displays a range of ceramic pieces, from traditional water jugs (qadous) to decorative tiles.

Traditional Jewelry (Al-Thahab): Kuwaiti gold jewelry,known as Al-Thahab,is renowned for its intricate designs and use of precious stones. Exhibits often include examples of bridal jewelry and everyday adornments, showcasing the artistry and cultural importance of these pieces.

Dhow Model Building: Miniature replicas of traditional dhows, the sailing vessels historically vital to Kuwait’s pearling industry and maritime trade, are frequently displayed.These models offer a glimpse into Kuwait’s seafaring past.

Experiencing Kuwaiti Hospitality & Cuisine

Beyond the visual arts, the Kuwait Pavilion actively engages visitors through experiences centered around Kuwaiti hospitality.

traditional Coffee (Qahwa) & Dates: A cornerstone of Arab hospitality, visitors are invariably offered Qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates. This ritual provides a moment of connection and a taste of Kuwaiti flavors.

Kuwaiti Cuisine Sampling: Small samples of traditional Kuwaiti dishes are often available, allowing visitors to experience the country’s culinary heritage. Dishes like Machboos (a spiced rice dish with meat) and Harees (a wheat and meat porridge) are popular choices.

Henna Art: Skilled henna artists offer traditional henna designs, providing visitors with a temporary and gorgeous souvenir of their experience.

Contemporary Kuwaiti Culture: A Modern Perspective

The kuwait Pavilion doesn’t solely focus on the past. It also presents a contemporary face of Kuwait, showcasing modern art, photography, and design.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions feature the work of Kuwaiti artists, exploring themes relevant to modern Kuwaiti society.

Photography Displays: Photographic displays capture the dynamism of Kuwait City, its architectural landmarks, and the daily lives of its residents.

Digital Presentations: Interactive digital displays often provide information about Kuwait’s economic development, educational initiatives, and cultural institutions.

The Significance of the Jerash Festival for Kuwaiti Cultural Diplomacy

The Kuwaiti participation in the jerash Festival is a key component of Kuwait’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts.

strengthening Bilateral Relations: The pavilion serves as a platform for strengthening cultural ties between Kuwait and Jordan, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Promoting Kuwaiti Tourism: By showcasing Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage, the pavilion aims to attract tourists to Kuwait, boosting the country’s tourism sector.

Cultural Exchange & Dialog: The festival provides a valuable possibility for cultural exchange and dialogue, promoting a greater understanding of Arab cultures within the region and beyond.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Kuwait Pavilion

Timing: The Jerash Festival typically runs throughout July and August. Check the official Jerash Festival website for specific dates and times.

Location: The Kuwait Pavilion’s location within the Jerash Festival grounds varies each year. Consult the festival map upon arrival.

Photography: Photography is generally permitted within the pavilion, but it’s always respectful to ask permission before photographing individuals.

Dress Code: While Jordan is a relatively liberal country, it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting the festival grounds and the Kuwait Pavilion.

engage with the Artisans: Don’t hesitate to engage with the artisans and craftspeople present at the pavilion. They are often happy to share their knowledge and passion for their craft.