Sharjah Heritage Organizes Interactive Workshop on Kohl-Making in Khorfakkan
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage organized a specialized heritage workshop titled “Kohl-Making” for members of the Sajaya Center, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote awareness of folk heritage and connect younger generations with authentic customs and traditions through interactive programs that introduce traditional crafts and cultural practices.
A Workshop Reviving Folk Heritage
The workshop activities were hosted by the Khorfakkan branch of the institute in the heritage area of Khorfakkan city, where participants learned about traditional methods of kohl production, the natural ingredients used in its making, its therapeutic benefits for eye care, the tools used for preserving it, and the recommended duration for its use after preparation.
Strengthening Identity Awareness and Preserving Heritage Values
Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Salem Al Naqbi, Director of the Khorfakkan Branch of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that the workshop falls within the institute’s efforts to preserve folk heritage and familiarize younger generations with traditional occupations and customs associated with Emirati society in the past. He noted that kohl is considered one of the authentic heritage elements carrying cultural, aesthetic, and health-related significance passed down through generations.
Al Naqbi further explained that the workshop provided participants with a hands-on opportunity to explore the stages of kohl-making and the natural materials involved, in addition to discovering the heritage items and tools displayed in museums and traditional craft houses that document aspects of old life. He emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening national identity awareness and instilling the value of heritage among younger generations.
Tour of Museums and Traditional Craft Houses
The event also included an introductory tour of several heritage corners, museums, and craft houses, during which participants viewed heritage collections and tools reflecting the lives of ancestors and the region’s rich history, thereby reinforcing awareness of cultural and heritage identity.
Positive Engagement and Appreciation of Heritage
Participants showed remarkable engagement with the workshop, expressing admiration for the information and practical experiences it offered, which enabled them to closely explore one of the authentic folk traditions. They also praised the efforts of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in preserving heritage and introducing it to younger generations, commending the treasures and artifacts preserved in museums and heritage houses that narrate the details of ancestors’ lives and reflect the depth of the region’s history and cultural identity.