Arabian Heritage Project Gives Back to the Community

The Arabian Heritage Project (AHP), in partnership with the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islammiya, presented workshops on traditional Kuwaiti music and dance in December at the Al-Americani Cultural Center. Dozens of young people and children from the community participated as Arabian Heritage Project staff, students, and volunteers, worked with Dr. Lisa Urkevich, the Director of the AHP, to introduce these important age-old customs. The participants learned how to play Kuwaiti sea instruments, how to clap Kuwaiti "sharbuka," the young men danced the traditional "zeffan," and the young women learned about Bedouin celebration practices. 

"It was wonderful to take part in teaching Kuwaiti youth and others from a variety of backgrounds about our heritage. This was a new experience for me, and I enjoyed it so much!" said Noura Al-Shaya, one of the workshop leaders who worked closely with the participants. Manwa Yacoub an AHP volunteer concurred, "At first everyone was so shy, but then they came to life and we had so much fun. It was a pleasure for me to be able to help teach about our culture, especially because it was so appreciated." Sara Al-Hobail, added, "Everyone left with a smile. We look forward to helping with future AHP events." For more information, contact Dr. Urkevich at LUrkevich@auk.edu.kw or ArabianHeritage@auk.edu.kw

Images from the workshops
 

The team who presented the workshops at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya