Sharjah: The 25th Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF), organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, commenced its silver jubilee edition under the theme "Travelers' Tales." The opening day featured dialogue sessions and intellectual discussions examining narrative, memory, and language in the experiences of travelers across history, alongside storytelling presentations from Arab narrators.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum's first session showcased Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in a session titled "A Journey Through Memory and Narrative." Al Murr shared his insights into travel literature, emphasizing that his work transcends mere description or touristic accounts by offering personal impressions and human engagement with the places he visits. He likened his writing style to a diary, capturing his internal reflections and emotional states, and highlighted the blend of autobiography and narrative art in high-quality travel literature.
Al Murr also noted the importance of respecting human dignity in photography, avoiding taking pictures of individuals without their consent. He explained that a single location can inspire varied interpretations based on a writer's personal background and that approaching travel without preconceived expectations allows for genuine wonder and empathy. He critiqued digital content, observing that while many bloggers provide surface-level portrayals, only a few offer meaningful content with cultural depth. He described travel writing as a cultural practice with humane and aesthetic values, urging younger generations to explore beyond restaurants and cafes to discover civilizations and cultural heritage. The session concluded with Al Murr signing his three travel books: "Around the World in 22 Days," "Beautiful Zanzibar," and "Madagascar: Coasts and Boats."
In the subsequent session, Adam Nasir Ibrahim, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, discussed the profound influence of Arabic on the Dhivehi language. He highlighted how Arabic vocabulary and grammar have shaped Dhivehi over centuries, reflecting enduring cultural ties between the Maldives and the Arab world. Addressing attendees, including writers, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts, Nasir reviewed historical exchanges between the Maldives and Arab nations through trade, religion, and travel, leading to the integration of Arabic terms into everyday Dhivehi.
Nasir portrayed Arabic not only as a religious language but also as a cultural bridge, urging younger generations to preserve this linguistic heritage. He reaffirmed the Maldives' dedication to cultural dialogue, emphasizing how language and storytelling can foster mutual understanding across communities. This session further underscored Sharjah's global role in promoting literature, storytelling, and heritage preservation, building lasting cultural bridges between civilizations.
The forum also featured a variety of events, including workshops and story sessions centered around legendary travelers like Ibn Battuta. His renowned travel journal, "A Gift to the Beholders of the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travel," was highlighted, detailing his journey that began in Tangier, a city known for its abundance and knowledge. Ibn Battuta's tales resonated with the spirit of curiosity and learning celebrated throughout the forum, reinforcing the event's mission to explore the connection between storytelling, history, and human experience.